The 2025 edition of the ESPGHAN Annual Meeting in Helsinki marked a pivotal moment in pediatric nutrition science, with Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) taking center stage as one of the most promising innovations in early-life health.
Across symposia, poster sessions, and clinical discussions, HMOs emerged not just as a nutritional supplement but as a powerful bioactive component with the potential to redefine how we support the developing immune system, gut microbiome, and long-term metabolic health of infants and children.
New evidence demonstrated how HMOs enhance gut epithelial integrity and reduce inflammation—supporting their role in building stronger, more resilient infants.
Studies highlighted the synergistic effects of HMOs with the microbiome, showing improvements in microbial diversity and protective responses against pathogens, offering new frontiers in the fight against early-life gastrointestinal disorders.
There was growing consensus that HMOs are not limited to immunity and gut health: emerging research suggests potential benefits for neurodevelopment, allergy prevention, and even metabolic programming later in life.
The concept of precision nutrition came into focus, with HMOs seen as key to tailoring infant formulas to mimic the natural, dynamic composition of human breast milk—closing the gap in health outcomes between breastfed and formula-fed infants.
A spirit of collaboration was evident, with researchers calling for more large-scale clinical trials, cross-disciplinary innovation, and integration of HMOs into broader public health strategies.
ESPGHAN 2025 made it abundantly clear: HMOs represent one of the most exciting frontiers in pediatric nutrition and preventive health. As science advances and manufacturing capabilities scale, these powerful molecules could become foundational in supporting healthier starts for millions of children around the globe.
14-17 May 2025
Helsinki, Finland
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