Children’s health is closely connected to their gut. With up to 70-80% of the immune system located in the digestive tract, nurturing gut health early in life is one way to support a child’s overall growth, resilience, and learning potential.
Children born via C-section may have differences in early microbial exposure, which can play a role in gut and immune development.1 Advances in pediatric nutrition, including the addition of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in growing-up milk formulas, offer parents additional options to help support their children’s health.
A recent clinical study evaluated one of Abbott’s milk formulas containing a blend of 5 HMOs. In a large randomized controlled trial conducted in the U.S., researchers tracked more than 600 children for a full year. Results showed that formulas enriched with five HMOs can support gut and immune health, brain development, normal growth and digestive tolerance.₂
Here’s how HMOs work to support children’s long-term health:
- Nourish the “good” bacteria
HMOs are specialized prebiotics that nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut and help these bacteria thrive. This contributes to a healthier gut environment and supports digestive balance. For children born via C-section or those with sensitive tummies, formulas with HMOs may help support a more balanced mix of good bacteria in the gut.₃
- Boost immunity from within
Because much of the immune system is linked to the gut, supporting digestive health may also support immune function. In the clinical study, children who consumed the formula with five HMOs experienced 40% fewer healthcare visits and an average of 3.4 fewer sick days compared to children who did not receive the HMO-enriched formula.₂ These findings were observed within the study population and suggest a potential association between HMO supplementation and immune-related outcomes.
Dr. Elizabeth Reverri, nutrition scientist and registered dietitian at Abbott, explains, “Scientific innovations have now made it possible to include multiple types of HMOs in pediatric nutritional products to better reflect the diversity found in nature, supporting not just gut health but also immune and cognitive development.”
- Support faster learning
The gut and brain are closely connected, and when the digestive system is in balance, children are better able to absorb nutrients that fuel cognitive growth.
In the same study, children consuming Abbott’s formula with five HMOs demonstrated stronger language and social development. Specifically, 38% more of these children were able to imitate words as they began to speak, and they understood 24% more everyday phrases compared to those who did not receive formula containing five HMOs. These observed differences relate to early communication behaviors that are considered important foundations for learning.₂
What this means for parents
For parents looking for science-backed ways to support their child’s health, pediatric nutrition products with five HMOs may be considered as part of a balanced diet. Abbott offers Similac GainSchool and Similac Essencia+, specially formulated with five HMOs.
Abbott has published over 65 studies on the benefits of HMOs, bringing advanced nutrition solutions to families who want to support their children’s gut health, immunity, and brain development.
Dr. Reverri concludes, “A healthy gut lays the foundation for stronger immunity and cognitive development. With nutrition that includes HMOs—alongside balanced meals, active play, and enough rest—parents can help their children grow up healthier, more resilient and ready to learn.”
Note: Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new formulas or supplements to your child’s diet.
Similac GainSchool and Similac Essencia+ are specially formulated with five Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), prebiotics that help support children’s gut health, immunity, and brain development.
Similac® GainSchool and Similac Essencia®+ are now available in major supermarkets and drugstores nationwide and online at Lazada, Shopee and TikTok.
1 Amabebe, Emmanuel, Physiological Society Winter 2017: Does C-section impact on the early life
microbiome and immune system? doi.org/10.36866/pn.109.24
2 Presented at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN);
further reference at Abbott Nutrition Health Institute: Randomized Clinical Trial in Infants Fed a Formula
Supplemented with 5 HMOs
3 Rousseaux A, Brosseau C, Le Gall S, Piloquet H, Barbarot S and Bodinier M (2021) Human Milk
Oligosaccharides: Their Effects on the Host and Their Potential as Therapeutic Agents. Front.
Immunol. 12:680911. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680911
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