The predictive, ex vivo SIFR^® technology allows to distinguish dose-response effects, even at low doses. This is demonstrated in the present study for four HMOs, evaluated in adults and 6-year-old children. Our findings revealed that even low doses of HMOs (0.3–0.5 g/day) significantly stimulated the production of metabolites, linked to improved gut health, immunity, cardiometabolic health and the gut-brain-axis.

We assessed four HMO’s – 2’Fucosyllactose (2’FL), Lacto–N–neotetraose (LNnT), 3’Sialyllactose (3’SL), and 6’Sialyllactose (6’SL) – at doses of 0.3 to 5/day. Stimulated metabolites included the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate (in both groups), and butyrate (in adults). Specifically, 6’SL had the greatest impact on propionate, LNnT most strongly increased butyrate, and both 2’FL and 3’SL predominantly boosted acetate.

Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis showed that HMOs enhanced immune-related metabolites beyond SCFAs, including aromatic lactic acids and gut–brain-axis-related metabolites, along with vitamins. These significant effects at low doses likely result from the specific stimulation of keystone species, such as those in the Bifidobacteriaceae family, observed at doses as low as 0.5 g/day LNnT in adults and 1 g/day 2’FL in children and adults.

Full article: Bajic et al, 2023, Metabolites