Research Progress on the Degradation of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) by Bifidobacteria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the degradation mechanism of Bifidobacterium on breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and its application in infant nutrition. The composition and characteristics of HMOs were introduced, and the degradation mechanism of HMOs by Bifidobacterium was described, including intracellular and extracellular digestion and species-specific differences. The interaction between Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides in the process of degrading HMOs and its effect on intestinal microecology were analyzed. The effects of HMO formula milk powder on the intestinal microbiota of infants were discussed, including simulating breast milk composition, regulating intestinal flora and immune function, infection prevention, and brain development. Finally, the research results are summarized, and future research directions are proposed to provide directions for research in the field of infant nutrition.