Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and Brain Development
Neuroscience
12 min read
The brain weighs 350-400 grams and contains 100 billion neurons at birth.
After birth, billions of neurons get connected by synaptogenesis: 700,000 synapses/second are formed. 90% brain development by age 5 years and 90% of brain volume by 6 years.
Rapid growth and development in infants and children need adequate amounts of nutrients.
The first years of life are a rapid & dynamic period for brain maturation. Most brain processes during that period are focused on connecting the brain, e.g., myelination
Many factors, including nutrition, influence brain growth and myelination. HMOs are prebiotics, and they promote growth of intestinal microbiota
