Development of the Breastfed Infant Oral Microbiome Is Associated with Concentrations and Intakes of Human Milk Oligosaccharides

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are bioactive carbohydrates abundant in human milk that shape the infant gut microbiome, yet their influence on the oral microbiome remains poorly understood. This study investigated associations between HMO concentrations and infant HMO intakes and the composition of the oral microbiome in predominantly and exclusively breastfed infants.

Citation:
Arishi RA, Cheema AS, McEachran JL, et al. Development of the Breastfed Infant Oral Microbiome Is Associated with Concentrations and Intakes of Human Milk Oligosaccharides. Nutrients. 2025;17(22).

Keywords:
Breastfeeding; human milk; human milk oligosaccharides; infant oral microbiome

Abstract:
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are bioactive carbohydrates abundant in human milk that shape the infant gut microbiome, yet their influence on the oral microbiome remains poorly understood. This study investigated associations between HMO concentrations and infant HMO intakes and the composition of the oral microbiome in predominantly and exclusively breastfed infants.