Impacto de los Oligosacáridos de la Leche Humana en la Microbiota Intestinal y la Salud de los Lactantes: Una Revisión Integrativa

Resumen

Introduction: The gut microbiota is essential for health and is influenced by breastfeeding, which promotes the development of a healthy gut flora from birth. Breast milk, rich in oligosaccharides such as HMOs, provides prebiotics that stimulate beneficial bacteria, prevent infections, and support immune and cognitive development. The absence of breastfeeding and the early introduction of infant formula and solid foods can lead to health problems such as infections and obesity. Studying HMOs is crucial for improving infant nutrition, particularly in the creation of formulas that mimic the benefits of breast milk. Objective: The aim of this article is to investigate the effects of infant formulas supplemented with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and other prebiotics on the gut microbiota and the overall health of infants. Methodology: This study is an integrative review that used the PubMed and SciELO databases, combining the descriptors "Milk, Human" and "Gastrointestinal Microbiome" with the Boolean operator AND. Only original studies published between 2014 and 2024 were included, with no restrictions on language or access. Initial screening was conducted using the Rayyan platform, where titles and abstracts were evaluated. After a full reading of the eligible articles, 12 out of the 109 identified articles were selected to form the final sample of this review. Results: Infant formulas supplemented with HMOs or prebiotics may promote a gut microbiota more similar to that of breastfed infants, with a greater abundance of bifidobacteria and benefits for gut health. Differences in microbial diversity between human milk and formula diets were not significant in some cases, but synbiotic and oligosaccharide-supplemented formulas showed positive effects, such as lower fecal pH and increased butyrate levels. However, the microbiota changes induced by some formulas may be temporary. Conclusions: In summary, the findings of this study suggest that supplementing infant formulas with human milk oligosaccharides and prebiotics may benefit infants’ gut health by promoting a microbiota more similar to that of breastfed infants. However, further research is needed to confirm these benefits and better understand their long-term implications.