Pediatr. praxi. 2024;25(1):40-44 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2024.007

Mothers' awareness of oligosaccharides in breast milk

Ing. Štěpánka Dvořáková, doc. Ing. Šárka Musilová, Ph.D., Ing. Nikol Modráčková, Ph.D., Ing. Mgr. Anna Žabová

Katedra mikrobiologie, výživy a dietetiky, Fakulta agrobiologie, potravinových a přírodních zdrojů, Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Human milk is a vital source of over 200 oligosaccharide structures contributing significantly to newborn development. Despite their essential role, these oligosaccharides often go unnoticed. Human milk oligosaccharides offer several benefits, including prebiotic, antiadhesive, and antimicrobial properties. They also play a crucial role in developing of a child's nervous system and immunity. The aim of the study was to summarize and map the knowledge of prospective mothers through a questionnaire survey on the benefits of breastfeeding, breast milk, and especially its oligosaccharides. The survey included 15 questions with educational passages. Eight hundred sixty-one female respondents provided several valuable insights into breast milk oligosaccharides' benefits before the onset of lactation or during it.

Keywords: human milk oligosaccharides, prebiotics, bioactive substances, breast feeding.

Accepted: February 12, 2024; Published: February 19, 2024  Show citation