Determinants of human milk oligosaccharides profiles of participants in the STRONG kids 2 cohort

Abstract

IntroductionHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOS) are indigestible carbohydrates that support infant development by establishing a healthy microbiota, preventing infectious diseases, and promoting immune and cognitive development. Individual HMOS have distinct functions based on their chemical structures. HMO profiles can vary largely among mothers, but the research on factors other than genetic background affecting HMO composition are limited.MethodsIn the present analysis, we examined the relationships between maternal characteristics and the HMO profiles of breastfeeding mothers (n = 392) in the STRONG kids 2 with the following demographic characteristics: average age: 30.8 y, 74.5% White, and 75.5% exclusively breastfeeding. Human milk samples were collected at 6 weeks postpartum and maternal information was obtained from self-reported surveys. Information on dietary intake changes since the participants have been breastfeeding was collected. HMO profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and secretor status was determined by the presence of four secretor markers [2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), LNFP I, LDFT, and TFLNH]. Spearmen correlation test was utilized to determine the relationships between individual HMOS and associations with maternal factors. Between-group differences in HMO relative abundances were examined with Kruskal-Wallis test.ResultsAmong all participants, 71.9% were secretors and 28.1% were non-secretors. The relative abundances of all HMOS differed (p < 0.05) by secretor status, with the exception for 6′-SL and 3′-SL. Positive correlations were observed among HMOS with similar structures, such as the 1,2-fucosylated HMOS. The abundances of selected HMOS were associated with maternal body weight, pregnancy complications, and dietary characteristics. Based on pre-pregnancy BMI, in all mothers, relative abundance of 3′-SL was significantly higher in overweight mothers than obese mothers (p = 0.013). In milk produced by non-secretor mothers, LNPF I + III abundances were greater in overweight than normal weight mothers (p = 0.020). Several HMO abundances were found to be associated with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Variations of HMO abundances were also observed with dietary food intake. In all mothers, egg consumption was positively correlated with LNT + LNnT (R = 0.13; p = 0.012) and cheese intake was positively associated with 2′-FL (R = 0.10; p = 0.046) and S-LNnH II (R = 0.11; p = 0.026) abundances.DiscussionHMO profiles were found to be associated with maternal characteristics and intake. Future research will investigate associations between HMOS and maternal and infant outcomes.

Exploring the impact of maternal factors and dietary habits on human milk oligosaccharide composition in early breastfeeding among Mexican women

“…These results were contrary to those found in the present study, where the consumption of panela, fresh or cottage cheese, and semi or ripened cheeses showed a negative correlation with 3’-SL, 6’-SL, and LNnT concentrations. However, egg consumption was positively correlated with LNnT concentrations, consistent with what was reported by Fan et al 15 . Quin et al 38 , found that ingested carbohydrates (simple sugars and dietary fiber) were positively correlated with the relative levels of Galactose and Fucose present in HMOs with the decrease of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc.…”

“…In another studies, Fan et al 15 , studied 468 pregnant women from Illinois USA and found that maternal age was weak positively correlated with relative abundances of 3-FL ( r s = 0.12, p = 0.019), DFLNHb ( r s = 0.11, p = 0.034), and IFLNH III ( r s = 0.1, p = 0.046), and weak negatively correlated with abundances of p-LNH ( r s = − 0.13, p = 0.011) and IFLNH I ( r s = − 0.13, p = 0.012) at 6 week of lactation. A study in 3,407 Canadian mothers conducted by Azad et al 8 , lower concentrations of DFLNT and higher concentrations of LNnT and LNT in older mothers, while lower concentrations of 3-FL were observed in multiparous mothers and the mode of delivery was not associated with HMOs concentrations at 3–4 month of lactation 8 .…”

“…Fan et al 15 , reported that higher cheese consumption was correlated with a higher amount of 2′-FL (p = 0.046) in breast milk at six weeks postpartum. In that same study, increased egg consumption was associated with greater LNT + LNnT abundance (p = 0.012).…”

“…A recent study discovered significant associations with changes in maternal food intake during lactation. Higher cheese, egg, fruits and vegetables consumption has been positively correlated with HMO concentrations in secretory mothers (for example, 2'-FL and LNT + LNnT), while fish consumption has been negatively associated with LNFP-V 15 . Previous studies have also demonstrated the association of food consumption with HMOs composition with contradictory results between them 8 , 15 – 17 .…”

Microbiota from human infants consuming secretors or non-secretors mothers’ milk impacts the gut and immune system in mice

“…Different percentages of the secretor population have been reported in studies depending on the geographical location. In an Australian cohort, 64.7% of mothers were secretors ( 16 ), in a Chinese cohort, 77% of mothers were secretors, whereas in a US cohort, 71.9% were reported to be secretors ( 17 , 18 ). The mother’s secretor status is known to impact the development of child’s gut microbiota composition ( 16 , 19 , 20 ).…”