Scholar - SciOpen

To determine the immunoenhancing activity of ternary mixtures of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), fructooligosaccharide (FOS), and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) at different ratios and to validate the immunoregulatory effects of milk formula containing prebiotic combinations.

Methods

An appropriate mixing ratio of prebiotics for enhancing immune function was identified on the basis of T cell counts, macrophage number, macrophage phagocytosis, and goblet cell number in an immunosuppressed zebrafish model. This prebiotic blend was then used to develop a children's milk formula. The effects of the milk formula on the morphology of immune organs, peripheral blood and/or spleen lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, and cytokines in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice were evaluated.

Results

The mixtures of 2'-FL, GOS, and FOS were found to enhance both specific and non-specific immune functions in immunosuppressed zebrafish, the optimal ratio being 1:3:3. In immunosuppressed mice treated with the milk formula containing the 1:3:3 mixture, partial restoration of damaged spleen and thymus structures was observed. Additionally, the peripheral white blood cell count and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio returned to normal levels, and the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were increased to varying degrees, with a significant increase being observed in IL-10 concentration (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of 2'-FL, GOS, and FOS exhibits immunomodulatory effects depending on the mixing ratio. The children's milk formula containing 2'-FL, GOS, and FOS at a ratio of 1:3:3 demonstrated immunomodulatory effects on immunosuppressed mice.

Open Access Research Article Issue

Maternal dietary patterns associated with bone density in Chinese lactating women and infants at 6 months postpartum: a prospective study using data from 2018-2019

Yalin Zhou, Xiaoyu Zhu, Ying Lü, Runlong Zhao, Hanxu Shi, Wanyun Ye, Zhang Wen, Rui Li, Hanming Huang, Yajun Xu

Food Science and Human Wellness 2024, 13(5): 2668-2676

Published: 10 October 2024

Abstract

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This cohort study was designed to explore the relationship between maternal dietary patterns (DPs) and bone health in Chinese lactating mothers and infants. We recruited 150 lactating women at 1-month postpartum. The estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) of subjects’ calcanei and the information on dietary intake were collected. After 5-month follow-up, the eBMD of mothers and their infants were measured again. Factor analysis was applied to determine maternal DPs. General linear models were used to evaluate the association between maternal DPs and maternal eBMD loss or infants’ eBMD. With all potential covariates adjusted, Factor 2 (high intake of whole grains, tubers, mixed beans, soybeans and soybean products, seaweeds, and nuts) showed a positive association with the changes of maternal eBMD (β=0.16, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.310). Factor 3 (high intake of soft drinks, fried foods, and puffed foods) was inversely correlated with the changes of maternal eBMD (β=-0.22, 95% CI: -0.44, 0.00). The changes of maternal eBMD were positively associated with 6-month infants’ eBMD (β=0.34, 95% CI: 0.017, 0.652). In conclusion, Factor 2 might contribute to the maintenance of eBMD in lactating women, while Factor 3 could exacerbate maternal eBMD loss. Additionally, the changes of maternal eBMD presented a positive correlation with 6-month infants’ eBMD.

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