Breast milk contains a unique composition of bioactive components and is generally regarded as the gold standard for infant nutrition. Ongoing research in the field of pediatric nutrition aims to identify components of breast milk that confer physiological benefits to the newborn and can be added to milk substitutes (formula milk).
Oligosaccharides are among the nutritional components that currently differ in concentration between breast milk and milk substitutes.
In our research, we are investigating the effect of sialic acid on neurodevelopment, in particular on myelin and synapse formation and neural transmission. We also aim to identify the clinically relevant dose at which milk containing sialic acid could support neurological development.