The Role of HMOs and Lactoferrin in Preventing Viral and Bacterial Infections in Adults

Human milk oligosaccharides and lactoferrin are two of the most powerful bioactive nutrients found in human milk. Thanks to advances in biotechnology, adults can now benefit from these human milk-equivalent ingredients through supplements like the kēpos Human Milk-Equivalent Superfood. This article explains how human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and effera human lactoferrin work together to support infection prevention, gut health, and immune modulation in adults.

 

Why Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Human Lactoferrin Are Unique

 

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates, the third most abundant solid in human milk after lactose and lipids. Unlike plant-based prebiotics, HMOs are bio-identical to those found in breast milk and are designed by nature to support the human gut and immune system. Human lactoferrin, especially in its recombinant form (like effera™ human lactoferrin), is a bioactive protein with both antimicrobial and immune-supportive benefits. These ingredients are now available in adult supplements, providing a new level of gut and immune support that goes beyond traditional prebiotics and probiotics.

Key takeaway:

• HMOs and effera™ human lactoferrin are bio-identical, highly selective, and designed for human biology, offering unique benefits for gut and immune health.

 

How HMOs and Lactoferrin Work: Infection Prevention in Adults

 

HMOs: Blocking Pathogens and Feeding Good Bacteria

 

HMOs protect the body from infections through several mechanisms:

 

• Decoy Receptor Action: HMOs act as decoy receptors for pathogens, mimicking sugars on cell surfaces so that bacteria and viruses bind to HMOs instead of the gut lining. This helps flush pathogens out of the body and prevents infections from bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, as well as viruses such as norovirus and influenza.
  See: Human milk oligosaccharide secretion dynamics during breastfeeding and its antimicrobial role

 

• Inhibiting Bacterial Adhesion: By blocking the first step of infection—adhesion—HMOs reduce the risk of both gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, especially in adults with sensitive gut barriers.

 

• Supporting the Adult Gut Microbiome: HMOs selectively feed beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, supporting a healthy gut microbiome and better immune function.
  See: Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Their Effects on the Host and Their Potential as Prebiotics

 

• Antimicrobial Effects: HMOs disrupt biofilms (protective layers formed by bacteria), making it harder for harmful bacteria to survive and multiply. They also lower gut pH through the production of short-chain fatty acids, further inhibiting pathogen growth.

 

Key takeaway:

• HMOs act as decoys, block bacterial adhesion, and feed good bacteria, supporting both gut and immune health.

 

Lactoferrin: Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Immune Modulation

 

Effera™ human lactoferrin is a bio-identical form of the protein found in human milk. Its benefits include:

 

• Antiviral and Antibacterial Action: Lactoferrin binds iron, making it unavailable to bacteria that need it to grow. It also attaches directly to viruses and bacteria, blocking their entry into cells. This has been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections and may help in the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral illnesses.
  See: Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

• Gut Immunity: Lactoferrin supports gut immunity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and strengthening the gut barrier. It also helps regulate inflammation and supports the repair of the intestinal lining.

• Reduced Allergenicity: Effera™ human lactoferrin is designed to be highly similar to the natural protein in human milk, with reduced allergenicity compared to bovine lactoferrin. However, people with dairy allergies should use caution, as trace residues may remain.

• Clinical Safety: Recent clinical trials in adults show that effera™ human lactoferrin is safe at doses up to 3.4 grams per day, with no increase in adverse events or immune reactions.
  See: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial to Assess the Effects of Effera Human Lactoferrin

 

Key takeaway:

• Effera™ human lactoferrin is safe, well-tolerated, and effective for immune and gut health in adults.

 

HMOs and Lactoferrin: Better Together

 

When combined, HMOs and lactoferrin offer a multi-layered defense against infections:

 

• Synergistic Effects: HMOs block pathogen adhesion and feed good bacteria, while lactoferrin attacks pathogens directly and supports immune function. Together, they create a gut environment that is hostile to harmful microbes but friendly to beneficial ones.

• Immune Modulation: Both ingredients help modulate the immune system, reducing unnecessary inflammation and supporting a balanced response to threats. This is especially important for adults with IBS, IBD, or other gut-related immune issues.

 

Key takeaway:

• The combination of HMOs and effera™ human lactoferrin offers comprehensive support for gut and immune health.

 

How Do HMOs and Lactoferrin Compare to Other Prebiotics?

 

Most prebiotics on the market are plant-based fibers like inulin, GOS, or FOS. While these can support gut health, they are not as selective as HMOs and do not offer the same pathogen-blocking or immune-modulating effects. HMOs and human lactoferrin are bio-identical to the compounds found in human milk, making them uniquely suited for human biology. This selectivity means less bloating and more targeted benefits for gut and immune health.

Key takeaway:

• HMOs and effera™ human lactoferrin are more selective and effective than plant-based prebiotics.

 

What Does the Research Say? Latest Studies on HMOs and Effera Human Lactoferrin

 

• HMOs in Adults: Recent systematic reviews and clinical studies confirm that HMOs can inhibit bacterial adhesion, disrupt biofilms, and act as decoy receptors for pathogens in adults. They also support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help maintain a healthy gut barrier.
  See: Human milk oligosaccharide secretion dynamics during breastfeeding and its antimicrobial role, Prospecting Human Milk Oligosaccharides as a Defense Against Viral Infections

• Lactoferrin in Adults: Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show that lactoferrin supplementation reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections by up to 43% in adults. Effera human lactoferrin, in particular, has been shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective at supporting immune health without increasing the risk of allergic reactions.
  See: Lactoferrin reduces the risk of respiratory tract infections: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial to Assess the Effects of Effera Human Lactoferrin

• COVID-19 and Viral Infections: Both HMOs and lactoferrin have shown promise in reducing the risk and severity of viral infections, including COVID-19, by blocking viral entry and supporting immune defenses.
  See: Prospecting Human Milk Oligosaccharides as a Defense Against Viral Infections

 

Key takeaway:

• Clinical research supports the safety and effectiveness of HMOs and effera™ human lactoferrin for infection prevention in adults.

 

Mechanisms: How Do HMOs and Lactoferrin Prevent Infections?

 

HMOs

• Act as decoy receptors for pathogens, blocking their attachment to gut and respiratory cells.

• Inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.

• Feed beneficial bacteria, supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

• Modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.

 

Lactoferrin

• Binds iron, starving bacteria and inhibiting their growth.

• Directly binds to viruses and bacteria, blocking their entry into cells.

• Supports gut barrier integrity and immune cell function.

• Reduces inflammation and supports recovery from infections.

 

Key takeaway:

• HMOs and lactoferrin use multiple, complementary mechanisms to prevent infections and support gut health.

 

Why Choose kēpos Human Milk Bioactives?

 

kēpos is the first company to offer blends of human milk oligosaccharides and human milk-equivalent lactoferrin (effera™ human lactoferrin) for adults. These ingredients are bio-identical, lactose-free, and designed for maximum gut and immune support. Unlike other brands, kēpos products are backed by the University of Chicago and leading microbiome labs, ensuring quality and scientific rigor.

• Selective Feeding: Only feeds beneficial bacteria, reducing bloating and discomfort.

• Pathogen Decoy: Blocks harmful microbes before they can cause trouble.

• Immune Modulation: Supports a balanced immune response, reducing unnecessary inflammation.

• Reduced Allergenicity: Safe for most adults, but those with dairy allergies should consult a doctor.

 

Key takeaway:

• kēpos Human Milk-Equivalent Superfood offers science-backed, bio-identical gut and immune support for adults.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• HMOs and effera™ human lactoferrin are bio-identical, highly selective, and clinically proven to support gut and immune health in adults.

• kēpos Human Milk-Equivalent Superfood is the first supplement to offer these ingredients in a lactose-free, adult-friendly form.

• Clinical studies confirm safety, effectiveness, and unique benefits for infection prevention and gut health.

• For more information, visit kēpos.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Human milk oligosaccharides and effera™ human lactoferrin are changing the way adults approach gut and immune health. By mimicking the natural defenses found in human milk, these ingredients offer targeted, science-backed support for infection prevention, gut microbiome balance, and immune modulation. kēpos is proud to bring these human milk-equivalent nutrients to adults seeking better health, less bloating, and stronger immunity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are HMOs and lactoferrin?

• HMOs are complex carbohydrates found in human milk that support gut health and block pathogens.

• Lactoferrin is a bioactive protein in human milk that has antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-supportive properties.

How do HMOs prevent infections in adults?

• Block pathogen adhesion to gut and respiratory cells

• Act as decoy receptors for bacteria and viruses

• Feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting immune health

What evidence supports lactoferrin’s role in preventing adult infections?

Clinical trials show that lactoferrin supplementation can reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections by up to 43% in adults.

Can HMOs and lactoferrin work together?

Yes, they complement each other by blocking pathogens, feeding good bacteria, and supporting immune balance.

Are there adult clinical studies on HMO supplementation?

Yes, recent studies confirm that HMOs are safe and effective for adults, supporting gut health and reducing infection risk.