Only 1% to 2% of HMOs are absorbed in the gut and reach the systemic circulation, as infants lack the enzymes necessary to digest HMOs. Therefore, the majority of HMOs reach the lower gut unchanged, where they are fermented to some extent by beneficial gut microbiota, and directly or indirectly support the baby’s immunity.1-3\r\r\r Rudloff S, Kunz C. Milk oligosaccharides and metabolism in infants. Adv Nutr. 2012 May;3:398-405.\r Bode L. Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama. Glycobiology. 2012 Sep;22(9):1147-62.\r Donovan SM, Comstock SS. Human milk oligosaccharides influence neonatal mucosal and systemic immunity. Ann Nutr Metab. 2016 Jan;69(Suppl. 2):41-51.