Oligosaccharides

Definition

Oligosaccharides are short chains of sugar molecules typically composed of three to ten monosaccharide units. These carbohydrates play important roles in nutrition and health, especially during lactation, as they contribute to the development of the infant's gut microbiota and provide essential nutrients.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oligosaccharides are abundant in human milk and can make up to 10% of its total composition, providing vital nutrition to newborns.
2. These carbohydrates are not fully digestible by infants but serve as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome.
3. Certain oligosaccharides can help prevent infections by inhibiting the adhesion of pathogens to the intestinal lining.
4. The presence of oligosaccharides in breast milk has been linked to improved immune function in infants, aiding their resistance to infections.
5. Oligosaccharides also play a role in the maturation of the gut, enhancing nutrient absorption and supporting overall gastrointestinal health.

Review Questions

• How do oligosaccharides contribute to the development of an infant's gut microbiota during lactation?
  • Oligosaccharides serve as prebiotics that nourish beneficial bacteria in the infant's gut. Since infants cannot fully digest these carbohydrates, they reach the colon where they are fermented by gut microbiota. This fermentation process promotes the growth of healthy bacteria, helping to establish a balanced microbiome that is essential for proper digestion and overall health.
• Discuss the immunological benefits associated with oligosaccharides found in human milk for infants.
  • Oligosaccharides in human milk enhance immunological protection by preventing harmful pathogens from binding to the intestinal mucosa. They act as decoys, thereby reducing the risk of infections. This protective role is critical for infants who have immature immune systems, offering them additional defense against gastrointestinal diseases and promoting better health outcomes.
• Evaluate the significance of oligosaccharides in lactation and their potential implications for infant health beyond breastfeeding.
  • Oligosaccharides are crucial during lactation not only for their immediate nutritional benefits but also for their long-term impact on an infant's health. Their role in shaping the gut microbiome can influence metabolic programming and immune responses well into childhood and adulthood. Understanding these implications opens avenues for designing infant formulas that mimic human milk oligosaccharide profiles, potentially improving outcomes for non-breastfed infants.

Related terms

prebiotics:

Substances that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, often found in dietary fibers including oligosaccharides.

lactose: A disaccharide sugar found in milk, consisting of glucose and galactose, which serves as an important energy source for infants.

glycans: Polysaccharides that include oligosaccharides, playing significant roles in cellular recognition and signaling processes.