Gestational 2′-Fucosyllactose Supplementation Protects Offspring from Food Allergies, Study Shows

In a mouse model, offspring of mothers fed a diet containing 2′-FL displayed no allergy symptoms and exhibited reduced levels of allergy biomarkers. The analysis emphasized the potential benefits of 2′-FL in reducing allergy risk in offspring, as highlighted by the investigators.

Recent findings highlight the potential of gestational supplementation with 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) to prevent food allergies in offspring. The research, led in part by A. Rousseaux from the Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement in Nantes, France, builds on previous studies linking 2′-FL in breast milk to reduced allergy risk in infants.

Rousseaux and colleagues noted that effective strategies to prevent food allergies have been lacking. Allergies often emerge in the first months of life and involve dysfunctions in multiple biological systems. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), including 2′-FL, are known to influence immune function, strengthen the gut barrier, and shape the infant gut microbiota. These HMOs are not only present in breast milk but also in pregnant women's blood, urine, and amniotic fluid, suggesting their role in early immune programming. Based on this, the team hypothesized that supplementing pregnant mothers with 2′-FL could create a protective microbial and immune imprint in their offspring.

To test this, the researchers used a mouse model of wheat allergy. Pregnant mice were given either a standard diet or a diet supplemented with 2′-FL from conception to birth. After weaning, the offspring were exposed to wheat allergens, while non-allergic pups served as controls. The offspring of mothers on the 2′-FL diet showed no allergy symptoms, lower allergy scores, and stable body temperatures compared to the control group. Blood tests revealed reduced levels of allergy-related biomarkers, such as wheat-specific immunoglobulins and mMCP-1, in the 2′-FL group. Additionally, these offspring had higher levels of IgG2a, a protective antibody.

The researchers also examined the effects of 2′-FL on gut microbiota. Significant differences in microbial diversity were observed between the 2′-FL and control groups during pregnancy, though these differences diminished during lactation. Among offspring, variations in gut microbiota diversity persisted and were linked to maternal diet and allergy status, suggesting that 2′-FL supplementation created a distinct microbial imprint associated with allergy protection.

The study concluded that maternal nutrition can influence HMO levels in breast milk and amniotic fluid, with 2′-FL supplementation offering full protection against food allergies in offspring. These findings align with previous reports linking 2′-FL in breast milk to a lower allergy risk in infants and underscore the potential of maternal dietary strategies to support early-life health.

Reference:

Rousseaux, A., Misme-Aucouturier, B., Romancer, M. L., Villette, R., Larsen, M., Carvalho, M. D., Bouchaud, G., Perrin, E., Barbarot, S., Brosseau, C., & Bodinier, M. A Gestational Supplementation With 2′-Fucosyllactose Is an Effective Strategy to Prevent Food Allergy. Allergy. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.16396