International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)?

1. Serve as a prebiotic for beneficial gut bacteria

2. Act as decoy receptors to prevent pathogens from attaching

3. Provide energy for the infant

4. Help to produce sialic acid for brain growth

The correct answer is: Provide energy for the infant

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) play a vital role in infant nutrition and health. They primarily serve as a prebiotic, fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which is crucial for developing a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, they act as decoy receptors, preventing pathogens from binding to the intestinal wall and thereby reducing the risk of infections. While HMOs contribute to various aspects of infant health, they are not a direct source of energy for the infant. Energy in human milk comes mainly from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, rather than from oligosaccharides. It's important to acknowledge that although HMOs can have indirect effects that might support processes related to energy regulation or metabolic development, their primary functions do not include providing energy. Furthermore, the production of sialic acid, which is essential for brain growth and development, is influenced by the presence of certain oligosaccharides in breast milk. However, this is separate from the energy-providing capabilities. Therefore, focusing on the primary roles of HMOs clarifies that they do not serve as energy sources for the infant, making the assertion that providing energy is not a function of HMOs accurate.