HMO mixture for improving the microbiome of pregnant women

Abstract

The present invention relates to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for use in supplementing the diet of pregnant women, synthetic compositions comprising HMOs for use in supplementing the diet of pregnant women, and methods for improving health outcomes in infants by supplementing the diet of pregnant women.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to methods, compounds, and compositions for improving the microbiota and health of pregnant women and infants.

[0002] [Background of the Invention] The commensal gut microbiota plays an important role in the health of newborns, contributing to the development of intestinal barrier function and the immune system and protecting against infections. The colonization of the newborn's intestine begins immediately after birth and is influenced by the mode of delivery, the maternal microbiota, and whether the infant is breastfed or formula-fed. Due to the impact of the gut microbiota on infant health, several approaches have been adopted to modulate the microbiota, particularly by changing the composition of infant formula milk. For example, infant formula milk is fortified with probiotic bacteria, which are mainly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, or prebiotics that function as selective substrates for the gut microbiota. Initially, prebiotics were in the form of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), substances that are not present in breast milk. However, synthetically produced human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have begun to be commercially available, and currently, particularly 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) are included in infant formula milk.

[0003] A proposed alternative approach is the supplementation of pregnant women with prebiotics or probiotics (Shadid et al. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 86, 1426 (2007)). The idea is that prebiotics and probiotics alter the maternal gut microbiota, which may help increase the colonization of beneficial bacteria in the infant at birth. Furthermore, improved maternal health may lead to improved infant health. For example, there is evidence that the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and cerebral palsy) is increased by disruption of the intrauterine environment. In particular, maternal inflammation during pregnancy is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Maternal immune activation can be defined as elevated or above-normal levels of inflammatory markers. Infections, psychosocial stress, maternal psychopathology, allergies, and a high body weight index are common conditions associated with inflammatory states during pregnancy, which in turn are associated with an increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Disruption of homeostasis due to an imbalance in the expression of inflammation-related factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-27 (IL-27), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), C-reactive protein (CRP), or the complement system may play a role.

[0004] To date, these approaches have been partially successful, but the results have been inconsistent. A meta-analysis showed an association between maternal probiotic supplementation and a reduction in infant eczema, but not between prebiotic supplementation and a reduction in eczema (Garcia-Larsen et al. PLoS Med. 15, e1002507 (2018)). Furthermore, a mixture of GOS and long-chain FOS regulated the maternal microbiota but not the microbiota of infants born later (Shadid et al. Am.J. Clin. Nutr. 86, 1426 (2007)). Similarly, FOS given to pregnant women increased the abundance of Bifidobacteria in feces, but no effect on the infant microbiota could be confirmed. In another clinical trial, pregnant women were given a low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, polyols) diet (Iacovou et al. Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 1 (2018)). By definition, a low-FODMAP diet excludes prebiotics. Infants born to mothers who consumed a low-FODMAP diet showed significantly shorter sobriety times for infants with colic compared to infants born to mothers who consumed a normal diet. Maternal psychological state, breast milk content, and infant fecal microbiota were indistinguishable between the two diets.

[0005] Therefore, there remains a need for methods and compounds to improve the microbiome and health of pregnant women, particularly their immune health, and ultimately, the health of their infants.

[0006] [Overview of the prefecture] A first aspect of the present invention is, - To promote the development of a balanced immune system in the fetus, - To promote the normal development of the fetal brain, -Later, in order to promote the healthy development of the gastrointestinal system in infants born to women, -In order to reduce the severity and / or incidence of immune-related disorders in infants born to females at a later date, - To reduce the severity and / or incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants born to females at a later date, and / or - To reduce the severity and / or incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants born to females at a later date. This relates to breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for use in supplementing the diet of pregnant women.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is: - To promote the development of a balanced immune system in the fetus, - To promote the normal development of the fetal brain, -Later, in order to promote the healthy development of the gastrointestinal system in infants born to women, -In order to reduce the severity and / or incidence of immune-related disorders in infants born to females at a later date, - To reduce the severity and / or incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants born to females at a later date, and / or - To reduce the severity and / or incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants born to females at a later date. The present invention relates to an enteral composition for use in supplementing the diet of pregnant women, wherein the composition comprises at least one breast milk oligosaccharide (HMO).

[0008] Preferably, the synthetic composition contains 1 g to 15 g, more preferably 2 g to 10 g, of HMO. For example, the synthetic composition may contain 3 g to 7 g of HMO.

[0009] The synthetic composition may contain, for example, Bifidobacterium longum and / or Bifidobacterium bifidum.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is: - To promote the development of a balanced immune system in the fetus, - To promote the normal development of the fetal brain, -Later, in order to promote the healthy development of the gastrointestinal system in infants born to women, -In order to reduce the severity and / or incidence of immune-related disorders in infants born to females at a later date, - To reduce the severity and / or incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants born to females at a later date, and / or - To reduce the severity and / or incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants born to females at a later date. The present invention relates to a pack for use in supplementing the diet of pregnant women, wherein the pack contains at least 14 individual daily doses of an effective amount of at least one breast milk oligosaccharide (HMO).

[0011] Preferably, each dose in the pack contains about 1g to 15g, preferably 2g to 10g, and more preferably 3g to 7g of breast milk oligosaccharides.

[0012] The pack preferably contains at least about 21 daily doses, such as about 28 daily doses.

[0013] The pack may contain, for example, Bifidobacterium longum and / or Bifidobacterium bifidum.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for promoting the balanced development of the fetal immune system, the method comprising administering an effective amount of at least one breast milk oligosaccharide (HMO) to a pregnant woman.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for promoting the normal development of the fetal brain, the method comprising administering an effective amount of at least one breast milk oligosaccharide (HMO) to a pregnant woman.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for promoting the development of a healthy gastrointestinal system in an infant, the method comprising administering an effective amount of at least one breast milk oligosaccharide (HMO) to a pregnant woman.

[0017] The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing the severity and / or occurrence of immune-related disorders in infants, the method comprising administering to a pregnant woman an effective amount of at least one human milk oligosaccharide (HMO).

[0018] The immune-related disorder can be an allergy-related disorder, an autoimmune disorder such as celiac disease, etc.

[0019] The eighth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing the severity and / or occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders in infants, the method comprising administering to a pregnant woman an effective amount of at least one human milk oligosaccharide (HMO).

[0020] The neurodevelopmental disorder can be schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, etc.

[0021] The ninth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing the severity and / or occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants, the method comprising administering to a pregnant woman an effective amount of at least one human milk oligosaccharide (HMO).

[0022] The functional gastrointestinal disorder can be infantile colic, reflux disease, etc.

[0023] The amount of HMO administered is preferably effective to increase the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and / or Bifidobacterium in the intestine of the pregnant woman. Furthermore, the amount of HMO administered is preferably effective to improve the intestinal barrier properties of the pregnant woman, particularly in the colon.

[0024] Preferably, the pregnant woman is administered HMO in an amount of 1 g to 15 g per day, more preferably 2 g to 10 g per day. For example, the pregnant woman may be administered 3 g to  per day). Preferably, the pregnant woman is administered HMO for at least one week, more preferably for at least two weeks.

[0025] Preferably, pregnant women are administered HMOs during the third trimester of pregnancy, more preferably daily during the third trimester. Pregnant women may also be administered HMOs during the first and / or second trimester of pregnancy.

[0026] Pregnant women may be administered high doses in the early stages and low doses in the maintenance phase. Preferably, pregnant women are administered HMO for at least one week, more preferably at least two weeks, during the early stages. Pregnant women may be administered HMO for at least four weeks, more preferably at least eight weeks, during the maintenance phase. The dose administered in the early stages is preferably about 3g to about 10g per day (for example, about 4g to about 7.5g per day), and the dose administered in the maintenance phase is preferably about 2g to about 7.5g per day (for example, about 2g to about 5g per day).

[0027] In certain embodiments, the HMO may be a neutral HMO or an acidic HMO. The neutral HMO may be one or more fucosylated HMOs or one or more non-fucosylated HMOs. Preferably, the HMO is selected from 2'-FL, 3-FL, DFL, LNT, LNnT, 3'-SL, 6'-SL, LNFP-I, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the HMO comprises a 2'-FL and at least one LNnT and LNT; a 2'-FL and at least one DFL and at least one LNnT and LNT (e.g., a 2'-FL, a DFL, and at least one LNnT and LNT); a 2'-FL and a 6'-SL; a DFL and a 6'-SL; a 2'-FL, a DFL, and a 6'-SL; a 2'-FL, a 6'-SL, and at least one LNnT and LNT; a 2'-FL, a DFL, a 6'-SL, and at least one LNnT and / or LNT.

[0028] [Detailed description of the invention] It has now been surprisingly found that enteral administration of one or more breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) to pregnant women is beneficial to the health of infants born later in life. In particular, the development of a balanced immune system, a normally functioning brain, and a healthy gastrointestinal system is promoted in infants born later in life. This leads to a reduction in immune-related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and / or functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants. Furthermore, HMO administration has beneficial effects on the health of pregnant women by improving digestion, softening stools, reducing inflammation, and reducing fatigue.

[0029] HMOs also preferentially increase the abundance of Bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of pregnant women, particularly Bifidobacterium longum and / or Bifidobacterium bifidum, which belong to the B. adolescentis phylogenetic group. Bifidobacterium longum may be Bifidobacterium longum longum or Bifidobacterium longuminfantis. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids such as lactic acid and acetic acid, which are then converted to butyrate by butyrate-producing bacteria. Increased short-chain fatty acids improve digestive health and nourish the intestinal barrier. An inadequate intestinal barrier can also contribute to immune activation in pregnant women.

[0030] In this specification, the following terms have the following meanings: A "balanced immune system" refers to a functional immune system that can support an appropriate immune response when a threat is presented and has an appropriate regulatory response when activated.

[0031] The genus Bifidobacterium of the B. adolescentis systematic group refers to bacteria selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium angulatum, Bifidobacterium catenulatum, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Bifidobacterium kashiwanohense, Bifidobacterium dentium (dentum), and Bifidobacterium stercoris (Duranti et al.). al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 79, 336 (2013), Bottacini et al. Microbial Cell Fact. 13:S4 (2014). Preferably, the genus Bifidobacterium of the B. adolescentis phylogenetic group is Bifidobacterium adolescentis and / or Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum.

[0032] "Effective dose" refers to the amount of HMO sufficient to produce a desirable result in a human. The effective dose can be administered in one or more doses to achieve the desired result.

[0033] "Enteral administration" refers to any conventional method of delivering a composition to a patient that causes the composition to be deposited in the gastrointestinal tract (including the stomach). Methods of enteral administration include nutritional support via nasogastric or jejunal tube, oral, sublingual, and rectal tubes.

[0034] Functional gastrointestinal disorders refer to typically chronic abdominal complaints that do not have a structural or biochemical cause that can explain the symptoms. The symptoms are usually accompanied by visceral hypersensitivity and / or abnormal bowel motility. In infants, common functional gastrointestinal disorders include reflux, infantile colic, functional constipation, functional diarrhea, cyclic vomiting syndrome, infantile ataxia, and infantile rumination syndrome. These are sometimes also referred to as gut-brain interaction disorders.

[0035] "Breast milk oligosaccharides" or "HMOs" refer to complex carbohydrates found in human breast milk (Urashima et al.: Milk Oligosaccharides. Nova Science Publisher (2011); Chen Adv. Carbohydr. Chem. Biochem. 72, 113 (2015)). HMOs have a core structure containing lactose units at a reducing end that can be extended by one or more β-N-acetyl-lactosaminyl and / or one or more (one or more) β-lacto-N-biosyl units, and this core structure is substituted with α-L-fucopyranosyl and / or α-N-acetyl-neuraminyl (sialyl) moieties. In this respect, non-acidic (or neutral) HMOs lack sialyl residues, while the structure of acidic HMOs has at least one sialyl residue. Non-acidic (or neutral) HMOs may be fucosylated HMOs or non-fucosylated HMOs. Examples of such neutral, non-fucosylated HMOs include lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), lacto-N-neohexaose (LNnH), para-lacto-N-neohexaose (pLNnH), para-lacto-N-hexaose (pLNH), and lacto-N-hexaose (LNH). Examples of neutral fucosylated HMOs include 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP-I), lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH-I), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (DFL), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP-II), lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFP-III), lacto-N-difucohexaose III (LNDFH-III), and fucosyllactose. Examples include syl-lacto-N-hexaose II (FLNH-II), lacto-N-fucopentaose V (LNFP-V), lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH-II), fucosyl-lacto-N-hexaose I (FLNH-I), fucosyl-para-lacto-N-hexaose I (FpLNH-I), fucosyl-para-lacto-N-neohexaose II (FpLNnHII), and fucosyl-lacto-N-neohexaose (FLNnH).Examples of acidic HMOs include 3'-sialyl lactose (3'-SL), 6'-sialyl lactose (6'-SL), 3-fucosyl-3'-sialyl lactose (FSL), LSTA, fucosyl-LSTa (FLSTa), LSTb, fucosyl-LSTb (FLSTb), LSTc, fucosyl-LSTc (FLSTc), sialyl-LNH (SLNH), sialyl-lacto-N-hexaose (SLNH), sialyl-lacto-N-neohexaose I (SLNH-I), sialyl-lacto-N-neohexaose II (SLNH-II), and disialyl-lacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT).

[0036] "Immune-related disorders" refer to disorders caused by dysfunction of the immune system that result in abnormal immune responses to normal body parts or abnormal immune reactions to antigens that are normally harmless. Common examples of abnormal immune responses to normal body parts include diseases such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, Graves' disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and intestinal diseases. Common examples of abnormal immune reactions to antigens that are normally harmless include seasonal allergies, food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

[0037] "Microbiota," "microflora," and "microbiome" typically refer to the communities of living microorganisms that inhabit the organs or parts of the body, particularly the human gastrointestinal tract. The most dominant members of the gastrointestinal microbiota are microorganisms of the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes, Verrucomicrobia, Fusobacteria, and Euryarchaeota; at the genus level, Bacteroidetes The genera include Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, Aristipes, Collinsella, Blautia, Coprococcus, Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, and Dorea;At the species level, these include Bacteroides uniformis, Alistipes putredinis, Parabacteroides merdae, Ruminococcus bromii, Dorea longicatena, Bacteroides caccae, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Eubacterium hallii, Ruminococcus torques, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Ruminococcus lactaris, and Collinsella aerofasiens. Examples include *Aerofaciens*, *Dorea formicigenerans*, *Bacteroides vulgatus*, and *Roseburia intestinalis*. The gastrointestinal microbiota includes mucosal-associated bacteria located in or attached to the mucosal layer covering the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, and lumen-associated bacteria found in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.

[0038] To “modulate the microbiota” means to alter or control the microbiota, for example, by having an effect that leads to an increase in the commensal gut abundance of Bifidobacterium, Barnesiella, Faecalibacterium, and / or other butyrate-producing bacteria. In another example, the effect may result in a decrease in the gut abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus and / or Proteobacteria. Proteobacteria is a phylum of Gram-negative bacteria that includes a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia, Salmonella, Vibrio, Helicobacter, Yersinia, and many other prominent genera.

[0039] "Neurodevelopmental disorders" refer to disorders that affect the development of the nervous system and cause abnormal brain function. These can affect emotions, learning ability, self-control, behavior, and memory. Common neurodevelopmental disorders include intellectual disability, learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger's syndrome or autism, and behavioral disorders such as cerebral palsy and schizophrenia.

[0040] "Normal brain development" refers to the process by which the fetal brain develops during pregnancy through neurogenesis and glialization, proliferation and migration of nerve cells and glia, nerve cell branching, formation of functional and efficient synapses, nerve cell pruning, and myelin formation, resulting in a normally functioning central nervous system at birth.

[0041] "Oral administration" refers to any conventional method of delivering a composition to a human being via the mouth. Therefore, oral administration is a form of enteral administration.

[0042] In this context, “preventive treatment” or “prevention” means treatment or measures given or taken to reduce the risk of developing or recurring a disease.

[0043] "Preventively reducing the severity and / or occurrence of symptoms" means reducing the severity and / or occurrence of symptoms at a later date.

[0044] "Relative abundance of Bifidobacteria" refers to the amount of Bifidobacterium species present in the human gastrointestinal flora compared to other Bifidobacteria species.

[0045] "Relative proliferation of Bifidobacteria" refers to the proliferation of Bifidobacterium species compared to other Bifidobacteria in the bacterial flora of the human gastrointestinal tract.

[0046] "Secondary prevention" means preventing the onset of symptoms in high-risk patients, or preventing the recurrence of symptoms in patients who already have symptoms. "High-risk" patients are individuals who have a predisposition to developing symptoms, such as those with a family history of the disease.

[0047] "Synthetic composition" means a composition that is artificially prepared, preferably a composition that contains at least one compound that is produced in vitro chemically and / or biologically, for example by a chemical reaction, an enzymatic reaction or recombination. In some embodiments, the synthetic composition of the present invention may be identical to, but preferably not identical to, a naturally occurring composition. The synthetic composition typically comprises one or more compounds, including one or more HMOs, which, when administered to a pregnant woman, can promote the balanced development of the fetal immune system, the normal development of the fetal brain, the development of a healthy gastrointestinal system in infants born to women at a later date, reduce immune-related disorders in infants born to women at a later date, reduce neurodevelopmental disorders in infants born to women at a later date, and / or reduce functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants born to women at a later date. In some embodiments, the synthetic composition may also contain one or more nutritionally or pharmaceutically active components that do not adversely affect the efficacy of the above compounds. Some non-limiting embodiments of the synthetic composition of the present invention are also described below.

[0048] "To treat" means to address a medical condition or disease with the aim of improving or stabilizing the prognosis of the person receiving treatment, or addressing the underlying nutritional needs. Therefore, treatment includes dietary or nutritional management of a medical condition or disease by addressing the nutritional needs of the person receiving treatment. "To treat" and "treatment" have grammatically corresponding meanings.

[0049] "Treatment" means a treatment or measure taken to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of a disease or pathological condition.

[0050] HMOs can be isolated or concentrated by well-known processes from milk secreted by mammals, including but not limited to human, cattle, sheep, pigs, or goats. HMOs can also be produced by well-known processes using microbial fermentation, enzymatic processes, chemical synthesis, or a combination of these techniques. For example, LNnT can be produced using chemical action as described in International Publication No. 2011 / 100980 and International Publication No. 2013 / 044928, LNT can be synthesized as described in International Publication No. 2012 / 155916 and International Publication No. 2013 / 044928, mixtures of LNT and LNnT can be produced as described in International Publication No. 2013 / 091660, and 2'-FL can be produced as described in International Publication No. 2010 / 115934. 6'-SL and its salts can be manufactured as described in International Publication No. 2010 / 115935, 3-FL can be manufactured as described in International Publication No. 2013 / 139344, 6'-SL and its salts can be manufactured as described in International Publication No. 2010 / 100979, sialylated oligosaccharides can be manufactured as described in International Publication No. 2012 / 113404, and mixtures of breast milk oligosaccharides can be manufactured as described in International Publication No. 2012 / 113405. As an example of enzymatic production, sialylated oligosaccharides may be produced as described in International Publication No. 2012 / 007588, fucosylated oligosaccharides may be produced as described in International Publication No. 2012 / 127410, and advantageously diversified breast milk oligosaccharide formulations may be produced as described in International Publication Nos. 2012 / 156897 and International Publication Nos. 2012 / 156898. Biotechnical methods describing a method for producing core (non-fucosylated neutral) breast milk oligosaccharides optionally substituted with fucose or sialic acid using genetically modified Escherichia coli can be found in International Publication Nos. 01 / 04341 and International Publication Nos. 2007 / 101862 (con).

[0051] The HMO may be a single HMO or a mixture of any HMO suitable for the purposes of the present invention.

[0052] In one embodiment, the mixture comprises, consists of, or essentially comprises a neutral HMO, preferably one or more fucosylated neutral HMOs. The mixture may also contain one or more core HMOs (also referred to as non-fucosylated neutral HMOs). In particular, the HMO mixture may contain fucosylated HMOs selected from the list consisting of 2'-FL, 3-FL, DFL, LNFP-I, LNFP-II, LNFP-III, LNFP-V, LNDFH-I, LNDFH-II, LNDFH-III, FLNH-I, FLNH-II, FLNnH, FpLNH-I, and F-pLNnHII. The HMO mixture may also contain core HMOs selected from the list consisting of LNT, LNnT, LNH, LNnH, pLNH, and pLNnH. More preferably, the mixture of neutral HMOs contains, consists of, or essentially consists of fucosylated HMOs selected from the list of 2'-FL, 3-FL, and DFL. The core HMO may be selected from the list of LNT and LNnT: advantageously, the mixture contains, consists of, or essentially consists of 2'-FL and DFL. The mixture may contain at least one of LNnT and LNT.

[0053] In other embodiments, the mixture comprises, consists of, or essentially comprises at least a first (acidic) HMO. The first (acidic) HMO is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-SL, 6'-SL, and FSL. The mixture may also comprise one or more fucosylated neutral HMOs and one or more core HMOs, as described above. The one or more fucosylated neutral HMOs and one or more core HMOs may be selected from the list consisting of 2'-FL, 3-FL, DFL, LNT, and LNnT; the mixture is advantageously comprised of 2'-FL and 6'-SL; or 6'-SL and at least one of 2'-FL and DFL; or 2'-FL, 6'-SL, and at least one of LNnT and LNT; or 2'-FL, DFL, 6'-SL, or LNnT and / or LNT.

[0054] In one embodiment, the synthetic composition may be in the form of a nutritional composition. For example, the nutritional composition may be a food composition, a rehydration solution, a medical food or food for special medical purposes, or a dietary supplement. The nutritional composition may contain a source of protein, lipids, and / or digestible carbohydrates, and may be in the form of a powder or a liquid. The composition may be designed as a sole source of nutrition or as a dietary supplement.

[0055] Suitable protein sources include milk protein, soy protein, rice protein, pea protein, and oat protein, or mixtures thereof. Milk protein may be in the form of milk protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, whey protein or casein, or a mixture of both. Protein may be whole protein or hydrolyzed protein, having undergone either partial or extensive hydrolysis. Hydrolyzed protein offers the advantage of easy digestion, which can be important for pregnant women. Protein may also be supplied in the form of free amino acids. Protein may constitute about 5% to about 30%, usually about 10% to 20%, of the energy in a nutritional composition. Ideally, protein sources should not contain excessive amounts of lactose.

[0056] Protein sources can be glutamine, threonine, cysteine, serine, proline, or combinations of these amino acids. Glutamine sources can be glutamine dipeptides and / or glutamine-enriched proteins. Since intestinal cells use glutamine as an energy source, glutamine may be included. Threonine, serine, and proline are important amino acids for mucin production. Mucin can line the digestive tract, improve intestinal barrier function, and promote mucosal healing. Cysteine ​​is a major precursor to glutathione, which is key to the body's antioxidant defenses.

[0057] Suitable digestible carbohydrates include maltodextrin, hydrolyzed or modified starch or corn starch, glucose polymers, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, high-fructose corn syrup, rice-derived carbohydrates, pea-derived carbohydrates, potato-derived carbohydrates, tapioca, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol, erythritol, sorbitol), or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the composition has reduced or no addition of lactose or other FODMAP carbohydrates. Generally, digestible carbohydrates provide about 35% to about 55% of the energy in the nutritional composition. A preferred digestible hydrate is low-dextrose equivalent (DE) maltodextrin.

[0058] Suitable lipids include medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Preferably, the lipids are a mixture of MCTs and LCTs. For example, MCTs may constitute about 30% to 70% by weight, more specifically about 50% to 60% by weight, of the lipids. MCTs offer the advantage of easy digestion, which can be important for pregnant women. Generally, lipids supply about 35% to 50% of the energy in the nutritional composition. Lipids may contain essential fatty acids (ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids). Preferably, these polyunsaturated fatty acids supply less than about 30% of the total energy of the lipid source.

[0059] Suitable sources of long-chain triglycerides are rapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, palm oil, soybean oil, milk fat, corn oil, high-oleic oil, and soy lecithin. Fractionated coconut oil is a suitable source of medium-chain triglycerides. The lipid profile of the nutritional composition is preferably designed to have a polyunsaturated fatty acid ω-6 (n-6) to ω-3 (n-3) ratio of about 4:1 to about 10:1. For example, the n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio may be about 6:1 to about 9:1.

[0060] Nutritional compositions may also contain vitamins and minerals. If a nutritional composition is intended to be the sole source of nutrients, it preferably contains a complete vitamin and mineral profile. Examples of vitamins include vitamins A, B complex (such as B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12), C, D, E, and K, acidic vitamins such as niacin and pantothenic acid, folic acid, and biotin. Examples of minerals include calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, copper, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, chromium, molybdenum, selenium, nickel, tin, silicon, vanadium, and boron.

[0061] The nutritional composition may also contain carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. The total amount of carotenoids included may vary from about 0.001 μg / ml to about 10 μg / ml. Lutein may be included in amounts of about 0.001 μg / ml to about 10 μg / ml, preferably about 0.044 μg / ml to about 5 μg / ml. Lycopene may be included in amounts of about 0.001 μg / ml to about 10 μg / ml, preferably about 0.0185 μg / ml to about 5 μg / ml. Beta-carotene may constitute beta-carotene in amounts of about 0.001 μg / ml to about 10 mg / ml, for example, about 0.034 μg / ml to about 5 μg / ml.

[0062] The nutritional composition also preferably contains a low concentration of sodium, for example, about 300 mg / l to about 400 mg / l. The remaining electrolytes may be present at concentrations set to meet the needs without imposing an excessive renal solute load on renal function. For example, potassium is preferably present in the range of about 1180 to about 1300 mg / l; chloride is preferably present in the range of about 680 to about 800 mg / l.

[0063] The nutritional composition also contains preservatives, emulsifiers, thickeners, buffers, fiber, and prebiotics (e.g., fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides); probiotics (e.g., B. animalis substrain lactis BB-12, B. lactis HN019, B. lactis Bi07, B. infantis ATCC15697, L. rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus HNOOl, L. acidophilus LA-5, L. acidophilus NCFM, L. fermentum CECT5716, B. longum (B It may contain antioxidants / anti-inflammatory compounds including *B. longum* BB536, *B. longum* AH1205, *B. longum* AH1206, *B. breve* M-16V, *L. reuteri* ATCC55730, *L. reuteri* ATCCPTA-6485, *L. reuteri* DSM17938); tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid / vitamin C, ascorbyl palmitate, polyphenols, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (melon); other bioactive factors (e.g., hormones, cytokines, TFG-β); and various other conventional ingredients such as colorants, flavors, stabilizers, lubricants, etc.

[0064] Nutritional compositions may be formulated as soluble powders, liquid concentrates, or ready-to-use preparations. The compositions may be administered to individuals in need via nasogastric tubes or orally. Various flavors and other additives may also be present.

[0065] Nutritional compositions can be prepared by any manufacturing technique commonly used to prepare nutritional compositions in solid or liquid form. For example, compositions can be prepared by combining various feed solutions. A protein-in-fat feed solution can be prepared by heating and mixing a lipid source, then adding an emulsifier (e.g., lecithin), fat-soluble vitamins, and at least a portion of the protein source while heating and stirring. Next, a carbohydrate feed solution is prepared by adding minerals, trace minerals, ultra-trace minerals, thickeners, or suspending agents to water while heating and stirring. The resulting solution is held for 10 minutes while continuing to heat and stir before adding carbohydrates (e.g., HMOs and digestible carbohydrate sources). Next, the resulting feed solutions are mixed together while heating and stirring, the pH is adjusted to 6.6-7.0, and then the composition is subjected to a high-temperature short-time treatment, during which the composition is heat-treated, emulsified, and homogenized, and then allowed to cool. Water-soluble vitamins and ascorbic acid are added, the pH is adjusted to the desired range as needed, flavors are added, and water is added to achieve the desired total solids level.

[0066] In the case of liquid products, the resulting solution can then be aseptically filled and packaged to form a nutritional composition. In this form, the nutritional composition may be in a readily available liquid form or a concentrated liquid form. Alternatively, the composition may be spray-dried and packaged as a reconstituteable powder.

[0067] If the nutritional product is a readily available nutrient solution, the total concentration of HMOs in the liquid may preferably be approximately 0.1% to 1.5% by weight of the liquid, for example, approximately 0.3% to 0.7%, or approximately 0.2% to 1.0%. If the nutritional product is a concentrated nutrient solution, the total concentration of HMOs in the liquid may preferably be approximately 0.2% to 3.0% by weight of the liquid, for example, approximately 0.6% to 1.5%, or approximately 0.4% to 2.0%.

[0068] In another embodiment, the nutritional composition is a unit dose dosage form. The unit dose dosage form may contain, for example, phosphate-buffered saline, ethanol mixture in water, water, and emulsions such as oil / water or water / oil emulsions, as well as an acceptable food-grade carrier such as various wetting agents or excipients. The unit dose dosage form may also contain other materials that do not cause harmful, allergic, or otherwise undesirable reactions when administered to humans. The carrier and other materials may include solvents, dispersants, coatings, absorption enhancers, release regulators, and one or more inactive excipients (such as starch, polyols, granulators, microcrystalline cellulose), diluents, lubricants, binders, and disintegrants. Preferably, the unit dose dosage form mainly comprises an HMO having a minimum amount of binder and / or excipients. The unit dose dosage form may also contain additional nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins and minerals, as described above. The unit dose form may also contain prebiotics and probiotics, as described above. Unit-dose formulations are particularly suitable when nutrition is incomplete or when the patient is not intended to be the sole source of nutrition.

[0069] The unit dose dosage form may be administered orally, for example, as a tablet, capsule, or pellet containing a predetermined amount of the mixture, or as a powder or granule containing a predetermined concentration of the mixture, or as a gel, paste, solution, suspension, emulsion, syrup, bolus, lick, or slurry in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid containing a predetermined concentration of the mixture. The orally administered composition may contain one or more binders, lubricants, inert diluents, flavoring agents, and humectants. The orally administered composition, such as tablets, may optionally be coated and formulated to provide sustained release, delayed release, or controlled release of the HMO.

[0070] The unit dose formulation may also be administered via a nasogastric tube or by direct infusion into the gastrointestinal tract or stomach.

[0071] Unit-dose formulations may also include therapeutic agents such as antibiotics, probiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents.

[0072] The appropriate dose of the human nutritional composition can be determined in a conventional manner based on factors such as the concentration of HMO, the woman's health status, immune status, body weight, and age. In some cases, the dose is such that the HMO is delivered at a concentration similar to that found in human breast milk. The required amount of HMO is generally in the range of about 1 g to about 15 g per day, and in certain embodiments, for example, about 3 g to about 7 g per day, or about 2 g to about 10 g per day. An appropriate dosage plan can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] In further embodiments, HMOs may be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions. Pharmaceutical compositions may contain, for example, phosphate-buffered saline, ethanol-in-water mixtures, water, and emulsions such as oil / water or water / oil emulsions, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers such as various wetting agents or excipients. Pharmaceutical compositions may also contain other materials that do not cause harmful, allergic, or otherwise undesirable reactions when administered to humans. Carriers and other materials may include solvents, dispersants, coatings, absorption enhancers, release regulators, and one or more inert excipients (such as starch, polyols, granulators, and microcrystalline cellulose), diluents, lubricants, binders, and disintegrants.

[0074] Pharmaceutical compositions may be administered orally, for example, as tablets, capsules, or pellets containing a predetermined amount, or as powders or granules containing a predetermined concentration, or as gels, pastes, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups, boluses, licks, or slurries in aqueous or non-aqueous liquids containing a predetermined concentration. Orally administered compositions may contain binders, lubricants, inert diluents, flavoring agents, and humectants. Orally administered compositions, such as tablets, may optionally be coated and formulated to provide sustained release, delayed release, or controlled release of the mixture therein.

[0075] The pharmaceutical composition may also be administered by rectal suppositories, aerosol tubes, nasogastric tubes, or by direct injection into the gastrointestinal tract or stomach.

[0076] The pharmaceutical composition may also include therapeutic agents such as antibiotics, probiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents. The appropriate dose of the pharmaceutical composition may be determined in a conventional manner based on factors such as the concentration of HMO, the woman's health status, immune status, weight, and age. In some cases, the dose may be such that the HMO is delivered at a concentration similar to that found in human breast milk. The required amount of HMO is generally in the range of about 1 g to about 15 g per day, and in certain embodiments, for example, about 3 g to about 7 g per day, or about 2 g to about 10 g per day. An appropriate dosage plan may be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0077] To promote the balanced development of the fetal immune system, to promote the normal development of the fetal brain, to promote the development of a healthy gastrointestinal system in infants born to later-born mothers, to reduce immune-related disorders in infants born to later-born women, to reduce neurodevelopment in infants born to later-born women, and / or to reduce functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants born to later-born women, the amount of HMO that needs to be administered will vary depending on factors such as the risk and severity of any underlying medical condition or disease, age, form of composition, and other medications being administered. Furthermore, the amount may vary depending on whether the HMO is being used prophylactically (where the dose may be higher) or during maintenance (where the dose may be lower). However, the required amount can be easily determined by the practitioner and is generally in the range of about 1 g to about 15 g per day, and in certain embodiments, for example, about 3 g to about 7 g per day, or about 2 g to about 10 g per day. The appropriate dose may be determined based on several factors, including, for example, body weight and / or health status, other illnesses and / or diseases, incidence and / or severity of side effects, and mode of administration. The appropriate dose range may be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art. Initially, the dose may be higher (e.g., 3g to 15g per day, preferably 3mg to 10g per day). During the maintenance phase, the dose may be reduced (e.g., 1g to 10g per day, preferably 2g to 7.5g per day).

[0078] [Examples] [Example 1] Sixteen male (9 weeks old) and forty-eight female (8 weeks old) NC / Nga mice are housed in standard plastic cages in a temperature-controlled room (23-28°C) with a dark period from 20:00 to 08:00. The mice are given unrestricted access to food and water and are fed a synthetic diet prepared according to the AIN-93G guidelines, or the same diet supplemented with HMOs selected from 2'-FL, 2'-FL, and DFL, LNnT, LNT, 3'-SL, 6'-SL, and LNFP-I. The HMOs are added to standard samples at a concentration of 50 g HMO / kg diet, with starch used as compensation.

[0079] The mice are divided into seven groups: Group 1, fed a standard diet; Group 2, fed a diet supplemented with 2'-FL; Group 3, fed a diet supplemented with 2'-FL and DFL in a ratio of approximately 85:15; Group 4, fed a diet supplemented with LNnT; Group 5, fed a diet supplemented with LNT; Group 6, fed a diet supplemented with 3'-SL; Group 7, fed a diet supplemented with 6'-SL; and Group 8, fed a diet supplemented with LNFP1. Each group contains two males and six females. Three females are mated with one male in a single cage. Pregnant mice are housed individually and monitored daily until birth. The offspring are separated from their mothers on day 21.

[0080] Next, the female offspring are divided into groups of six mice each. To induce stable dermatitis in the offspring, two to three offspring from each group are housed in one cage together with two to three 13-week-old female NC / Nga mice with severe skin lesions. Fresh fecal samples are collected at 14, 35, and 98 days postnatally for analysis of the gut microbiota. At 98 days postnatality, the mice are anesthetized, whole blood is collected from the carotid artery, and serum samples are preserved. The right auricle of each mouse is excised and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen for preservation.

[0081] The severity of AD-like skin lesions in mice is scored weekly based on the presence of (1) redness and bleeding, (2) edema, (3) epidermal peeling and erosion, and (4) scabbing and xerosis. For each of these symptoms, a score is assigned as follows: 0, no signs; 1, mild; 2, moderate; or 3, severe. The sum of the individual scores is used as the dermatitis score. In addition, the frequency of scratching behavior, such as scratching of the nose, ears, and dorsal skin with the hind feet, is measured for 10 minutes in each 91-day-old mouse.

[0082] The results show that maternal HMO supplementation significantly reduces clinical skin severity scores in offspring at 70, 77, 84, 91, and 98 days of age compared to a standard diet. Furthermore, maternal HMO supplementation significantly reduces the frequency of scratching behavior. In addition, total IgG1 concentrations, suggestive of a Th2 response, are lower in mice whose mothers were HMO-supplied.

[0083] [Example 2] We are recruiting healthy pregnant women aged 18-40 years with no complications and a planned vaginal delivery for this clinical trial. Women must be no more than 24 weeks pregnant at the time of recruitment and intend to breastfeed. Women will be excluded if they have an acute or chronic illness, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, or gestational diabetes, or if they are taking antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, or if they are regularly taking commercially available probiotic supplements. Women will also be excluded if their newborn is born by cesarean section, has obvious birth defects, perinatal asphyxia, has clinical or laboratory signs of neonatal or maternal infection at birth, or if breastfeeding has not been initiated before discharge.

[0084] Women participate in a screening session where they are given both written and verbal information about the study, their inclusion and exclusion criteria are checked, and they are asked to sign a informed consent form. Women are given a stool sample collection kit and trained on how to use it. In addition, women are trained to complete a series of online questionnaires, including the Bristol Form Stool Scale (BSFS), a bowel movement diary, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Assessment Scale (GSRS), the PHQ-12 Physical Symptom Scale, the PH4 Mental Health Scale, and the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) Questionnaire. The trial initiation visit (Visit 1) is scheduled to coincide with 26 weeks of pregnancy, and women are instructed to record bowel movements and complete the BSFS questionnaire daily until Visit 1. They are also instructed to complete the remaining questionnaires online immediately before Visit 1 and to collect a stool sample as close to Visit 1 as possible. Women are instructed to store the stool sample in a freezer and transport it frozen.

[0085] In the first visit, inclusion and exclusion criteria are checked, and 100 women are enrolled in the study. A physical examination is performed to address any questions or problems on the questionnaire, and fecal samples are collected. Blood samples are collected for biomarker and immunological studies and biobanking. Serum from the blood samples is transferred to cryotubes and stored at -80°C. The women are assigned to one of two groups: a placebo group and an intervention group. Women in the placebo group receive a 30-day supply of dextrose packaged in daily dose stick packs containing 5g each. Women in the intervention group receive a 30-day supply of breast milk oligosaccharides packaged in daily dose stick packs containing 5g each. The breast milk oligosaccharides are a 2'-FL and DFL preparation in a ratio of approximately 85:15 by mass. The women are also given another fecal sample collection kit. The women will be instructed to receive an email, text message, or phone call approximately 21 days after their first consultation to remind them to complete various questionnaires online approximately 28 days after their first consultation.

[0086] Women who complete the questionnaire within the required time will receive either a placebo or an intervention product for an additional 30 days, depending on their group. Approximately 21 days after product shipment, the women will be instructed to receive an email, text message, or phone call to remind them to complete various questionnaires online shortly before their second visit (visit 2), which will be approximately 28 days after product shipment. The women will also be reminded to collect a stool sample as close as possible to their visit 2.

[0087] In the second visit, the women undergo physical examinations and have blood samples taken for biomarker and immunological research and biobanking. Fecal samples are collected, and they are provided with another sample collection kit. The women are then supplied with either a placebo or an intervention product in sufficient quantities to be taken daily until the infant is born.

[0088] At the time of delivery, maternal blood and umbilical cord blood will be collected. Colostrum samples will be collected during hospitalization after delivery. Anthropometric data of the infant (weight and length) will be collected. Women will be trained to complete an online questionnaire in the form of a diary, recording the amount of time the baby cries per day (in minutes), the number of reflux episodes per day, the number of bowel movements per day, and the consistency of the stool according to the Brussels Infant Stool Scale. Depending on the group, women will be supplied with either a placebo or an intervention product for an additional 30 days. Women will be instructed to receive an email, text message, or phone call approximately 21 days after discharge to remind them to complete the infant questionnaire online before their third visit (visit 3), approximately 28 days after discharge. Women will also be reminded to collect a fecal sample of the infant as close as possible to visit 3.

[0089] At visit 3, the infant undergoes a physical examination and anthropometric data is recorded. The women provide breast milk samples. Fecal samples are collected, and they are provided with another sample collection kit. The women are then supplied with either a placebo or an intervention product for another 30 days. The women are instructed to receive an email, text message, or phone call approximately 21 days after visit 3 to remind them to complete the infant questionnaire online before 28 days after visit 3. Women who complete the questionnaire within the required time will receive either a placebo or an intervention product for another 30 days, depending on the group. The women are instructed to receive an email, text message, or phone call approximately 21 days after product shipment to remind them to complete various questionnaires online before their fourth visit (visit 4), which is approximately 28 days after product shipment. The women are also reminded to collect the infant's fecal sample as close as possible to visit 4.

[0090] At visit 4, the infant undergoes a physical examination and anthropometric data is recorded. A fecal sample is collected. The women provide breast milk samples. The intervention is completed at this visit.

[0091] The mother and child return for a follow-up visit (visit 5) approximately one year after the child's birth. The children undergo physical examinations, and anthropometric data is recorded. Medical history, including the occurrence of allergies, is also recorded.

[0092] Analysis of questionnaires shows that women taking the intervention product experienced improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms as indicated by the GSRS. Furthermore, improvements were also shown in bowel movements and stool consistency, quality of life, and perceived energy levels. Bifidobacteria levels increased. The incidence and severity of allergies and infections decreased.

[0093] Breast milk from women who consumed the intervention product showed higher concentrations of regulatory immunofactors such as IgA, TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-27.

[0094] Infants of mothers who ingested the intervention product showed a lower incidence and / or severity of functional gastrointestinal problems, atopic dermatitis, and allergic symptoms.

[0095] [Example 3] Amorphous powder containing 2'-FL and DFL in a ratio of approximately 85:15 is filled into 5-gram stick packs, and the packs are sealed.

Claims

1. - A synthetic composition for use as a dietary supplement for pregnant women to reduce the severity and / or incidence of allergy-related disorders in the fetus, comprising breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) or HMO mixtures, wherein the HMOs comprise one or more neutral fucosylated HMOs, one of which is 2'-FL.

2. The synthetic composition according to claim 1, wherein the total IgG1 concentration in the fetus is reduced compared to that of a fetus born to a mother who did not receive HMO supplementation during pregnancy.

3. The synthetic composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising 1 g to 15 g of the breast milk oligosaccharide.

4. A synthetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising Bifidobacterium.

5. The synthetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the breast milk oligosaccharide further comprises an HMO selected from 3-FL, DFL, LNT, LNnT, 3'-SL, 6'-SL, or LNFP-I.

6. The synthetic composition according to claim 5, wherein the HMO mixture comprises 2'-FL and DFL, and at least one of LNnT and LNT.

7. The synthetic composition according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the HMO mixture further comprises an acidic HMO selected from the list consisting of 3'-SL, 6'-SL, and FSL.

8. A synthetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, for administration to the pregnant woman during the third trimester of pregnancy.

9. A pack comprising at least 14 individual daily doses of an effective amount of the synthetic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The pack according to claim 9, comprising at least 21 daily doses.