Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) play an important role in infant health. This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal characteristics with HMOs, human breastmilk (HBM) microbiome and infant gut microbiome over the first three months of lactation. Chinese mothers and infant pairs (n = 110) were included in this prospective cohort. Secretor status linked with α1,2‐fucosyltransferase expression was determined by the presence of total α1,2‐fucosylated HMOs in HBM for 75.8% of the mothers. The concentration of dominant HMOs significantly decreased over three months except for 3’‐fucosyllactose. In addition to the elevated levels of α1,2‐fucosylated HMOs, other neutral HMOs significantly reduced in secretors milk. Alpha‐diversity of HBM and infant gut microbiome significantly increased over time, and an elevated abundance of Bifidobacterium and decreased levels of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Clostridium in the infant gut microbiota were noted. Multi‐association analysis indicated maternal age and body mass index significantly correlated with specific HMOs and infant growth. Our study provides pivotal data on Chinese HMOs distribution profile, and their association with maternal characteristics and the infant gut microbiome.

During the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pregnant and lactating women are at higher risk of infection. The potential of viral intrauterine transmission and vertical transmission by breastfeeding has raised wide concerns. Breastmilk is rich in nutrients that contribute to infant growth and development, and reduce the incidence rate of infant illness and death, as well as inhibit pathogens significantly, and protect infants from infection. Although it is controversial whether mothers infected with COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed, many countries and international organizations have provided recommendations and guidance for breastfeeding. This review presents the risks and benefits of breastfeeding for mothers infected with COVID-19, and the reasons for the absence of SARS-CoV-2 active virus in human milk. In addition, the antiviral mechanisms of nutrients in breastmilk, the levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in breastmilk from COVID-19 infected mothers and vaccinated mothers are also summarized and discussed, aiming to provide some support and recommendations for both lactating mothers and infants to better deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peng X, et al. Nutr Res Pract. 2021 Jun;15(3):367-381. https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2021.15.3.367