The Gut Advantage: 3 Ways HMOs Support Stronger Immunity and Smarter Kids

Children’s health begins in the gut. With up to 70-80% of the immune system located in the  digestive tract, nurturing gut health early in life is one of the most effective ways to support a  child’s overall growth, resilience, and learning potential.

In the Philippines, nearly 4 in 10 children may be at risk of weak immunity and poor gut health.¹ This risk can be greater for those born via C-section, as they may have reduced early exposure to  beneficial microbes essential for gut development. Fortunately, advances in pediatric nutrition— particularly the inclusion of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in growing-up milk formulas— are empowering parents to better support their children’s health.

A recent clinical study evaluated one of Abbott’s milk formulas containing a unique blend of 5  HMOs. The randomized controlled trial–the largest and longest of its kind in the U.S.–tracked over 600 children for a full year. The findings provided compelling evidence that milk formulas  enriched with 5 HMOs can support gut and immune health, brain development, normal growth  and digestive tolerance.² 

Here’s how HMOs work to support your child’s long-term health:

1. Nourish the “good” bacteria 

HMOs are unique prebiotics that nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut and help these bacteria thrive. This strengthens the gut barrier and helps prevent harmful pathogens from entering the  bloodstream. For children born via C-section or those with sensitive tummies, formulas with  HMOs can help restore microbial balance and promote healthy gut development.³

2. Boost immunity from within 

In the clinical study, children who consumed the formula with 5 HMOs experienced 40 percent fewer healthcare visits and an average of 3.4 fewer sick days compared to children who did not  receive the HMO-enriched formula.²

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.”

3. Support faster learning 

A healthy gut does more than protect against illness—it also plays a key role in brain development.  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.

The study also revealed that children consuming Abbott’s formula with 5 HMOs demonstrated  stronger language and social development. Specifically, 38 percent more of these children were  able to imitate words as they began to speak, and they understood 24 percent more everyday  phrases compared to those who did not receive formula containing 5 HMOs. These mark important early learning milestones.²

What this means for parents 

For parents looking for science-backed ways to support their child’s health, pediatric nutrition  products with 5 HMOs offer a promising option. Abbott offers Similac GainSchool and Similac  Essencia+, specially formulated with 5 HMOs.

As a leader in research on HMOs, Abbott has published over 65 studies on the benefits of these  prebiotics, 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.”

Similac GainSchool and Similac Essencia+ are specially formulated with 5 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.