UK-N/A-2300073 (V2) | September 2025
Authors:
Dr Akshay Batra, MBBS, MD, MRCPCH
Publish Date:
June 2021 | 4 min
Abstract:
This article highlights the impact of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on the microbiome and their synergistic relationship, explains the diversity of probiotics in the infant microbiome and discusses the current research regarding reduction in infant mortality and morbidities.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the infant microbiome and its importance in the development of immune response, prevention of infections and absorption of nutrients.
Discuss the complex factors that may affect the infant microbiome.
Understand the benefits of human milk oligosaccharides on the development of a healthy microbiome.
DR AKSHAY BATRA, MBBS, MD, MRCPCH
Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist
Dr Akshay Batra works at the Southampton Children’s Hospital in the UK as a Paediatric Gastroenterologist. His routine clinical work includes the care of paediatric gastroenterology inpatients, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Dr Batra looks after children with conditions like failure to thrive, feeding problems in infancy, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, recurrent abdominal pain and intestinal failure. He also provides diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for the region, and clinics at regional hospitals. As well as general gastroenterology, Dr Batra leads an intestinal failure and coeliac disease service.
Dr Batra has a special interest in intestinal failure and the management of complex nutritional needs. He also provides a regional service for diagnosis and management of children with gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Footnotes:
* 2'-fucosyllactose


