Fuel for gut

Leaky gut repair

Immune signalling and strengthening

Neuroplasticity and memory

Decoys against pathogens

Motility & transit time regulation

Inflammation control

Gut-brain axis and mood

HMOs and hmLF both exhibit unique prebiotic effects that selectively feed healthy bacteria in your gut — notably the keystone Bifidobacteria genus — which is often depleted in people with digestive disorders. Current industry prebiotics, such as chicory root inulin, FOS, soluble corn fiber, and others, exacerbate microbial imbalances by growing both the good and bad bacteria.

HMOs and hmLF naturally promote the restoration of your gut’s barrier by reinforcing tight junctions between intestinal cells and stimulating mucosal regeneration. This cellular-level repair reduces permeability, effectively sealing gaps that allow toxins and pathogens to slip into the bloodstream. Unlike conventional solutions that merely target symptoms, HMOs and hmLF work holistically to restore the gut’s natural integrity, setting the stage for improved overall digestive health.

HMOs fine-tune immune signalling by interacting directly with immune cells in the gut. They help modulate the release of cytokines — promoting anti-inflammatory signals while dampening pro-inflammatory responses — and support the maturation of regulatory T-cells.

Bacterial fermentation of HMOs and hmLF produces metabolites that boost the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) essential for synaptic growth. This process enhances the formation and remodeling of neural connections, leading to improved memory and learning, while also reducing neuroinflammation for better overall brain health.

HMOs act as decoys against pathogenic bacteria by mimicking the “glycan” (sugar) receptors on your gut mucosa, or intestinal lining, on which bad bacteria feed. Particularly inhibitive towards Norovirus, Salmonella, E. coli, HMOs have enabled humans to develop crucial defenses against illnesses over thousands of years. hmLF partners with HMOs to combat pathogens and signal their presence to your body’s immunity.

Chemical byproducts released by HMOs and hmLF, such as butyrate and acetate, help stimulate peristalsis — intestinal movement — and support healthy transit. kēpos further strengthens gut barrier integrity, contributing to the maintenance of the mucosa and enteric nervous system.

HMOs and hmLF bolster the intestinal barrier by upregulating tight junction proteins like occludin and claudin. This strengthened barrier helps prevent harmful endotoxins from entering the bloodstream, reducing inflammatory signaling and lowering the release of cytokines that drive whole-body inflammation.

HMOs and hmLF help produce short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) serotonin precursors. These compounds help modulate pathways along the vagus nerve, which connects your gut and brain, and neurotransmitter synthesis, enhancing communication along this gut-brain axis. This improved signaling helps regulate stress responses and stabilize mood, promoting overall mental well-being.