Human milk oligosaccharides promote intestinal epithelium regeneration independent of the microbiota during necrotizing enterocolitis

This study reveals that human milk oligosaccharides directly promote intestinal epithelial regeneration in necrotizing enterocolitis, independent of their prebiotic effects on gut microbiota. Using antibiotic-treated mouse models and organoid cultures, researchers demonstrate HMOs reduce NEC injury and enhance stem cell activity even without bacterial presence.