January 05, 2021 6 min read
Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) occurs naturally in human breast milk. Specifically, Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant component in breast milk (excluding water), after fat and carbohydrates.
In fact, scientists have identified more than 200 different types of HMOs in human milk.
HMOs are vitally important! They are immune-nourishing agents that give babies passive immunity from their mothers.
Previously, only babies who were breastfed got HMOs and their inherent benefits. In addition to helping to build a baby's immune system, HMOs are also credited with helping to build the baby's gut lining, and bolster its cognitive development.
Circa 2016, infant formula brands like Similac and Enfamil began putting HMOs in their formula. Similac, for example, now contains the 2’-FL HMO, which is 2'-Fucosyllactose.
Formula makers champion the addition of HMOs to their products as a groundbreaking step, because the HMOs are structurally identical to the HMOs in breast milk.
The idea is that babies who are not breastfed can now get the same immense benefits from HMOs as those who are breastfed.
Not long after the advent of bio-identical HMOs in baby formula, researchers wondered whether there was a way for HMOs to benefit adults.
A number of research studies were conducted, with many of them suggesting that HMOs could in fact help adults.
The findings indicated that HMOs could provide significant benefits for adult gut health.
Specifically, adults dealing with leaky gut, IBS, SIBO, and other ailments might find relief, if consuming HMOs.
Scientifically, as a prebiotic, HMOs are indigestible for humans, but are able to feed probiotic bacteria in the intestines.
HMOs also act as antivirals and antimicrobials by binding to pathogens and toxins and by directly binding to epithelial receptors.
The only way for humans to ingest HMOs is via human breast milk, or via the ingestion of an HMO supplement. There is a robust resale market for human breast milk as evidenced by this eBay auction offering 960.9 ounces of breastmilk for sale at $1.50 per ounce.
There have also been media reports of bodybuilders purchasing breast milk in order to build muscle. One could also purchase baby formula and drink that to get some HMOs, but it would come with lots of filler that is not meant for adults, nor needed in any way.
Colostrum is an increasing popular health supplement, but does not contain human milk oligosaccharide.
[BLOG: What is the difference between Colostrum and HMO?]
Thankfully, in 2020 Layer Origin Natural Supplements launched its line of Human Milk Oligosaccharide products specifically designed for adults (and teens or children) who want to bolster their gut health, immune system, and cognitive function.
In 2017, Layer Origin's Chief Scientist was a post-doctoral fellow at Cornell University in the food science program.
He noticed the burgeoning demand for HMOs in baby formula and saw the new research showing adults could benefit as well.
That was the beginning of a now four year journey to create a pure HMO supplement that would help adults. After partnering with a fellow food scientist and nutritionist, Layer Origin Natural Supplements was formed.
For the next three to four years, Layer Origin sought patents and trademarks and conducted extensive research and development.
In 2020, Layer Origin launched PureHMO® Prebiotic. PureHMO® Prebiotic is Layer Origin's original and best-selling HMO supplement for adults that comes in capsules. Each serving contains 1800mg of 2'-FL (2'-Fucosyllactose).
Layer Origin Nutrition is one of just a few companies in the entire world that makes an HMO supplement specifically designed for adults. The company's HMO is called PureHMO® because of its high purity. T
The HMOs are created by taking high-purity lactose and putting it through a precise fermentation process. The result is a scientifically produced HMO at an unprecedented purity level of 98.8%.
This feat has drawn the attention of health, nutrition, and fitness aficionados worldwide who have ordered Layer Origin PureHMO® in the UK, Guernsey, Germany, Lithuania, Canada, Serbia, Mexico, Denmark, The Netherlands, Switzerland, New Zealand, South Korea, The Czech Republic, Ireland, Australia, China, and numerous other nations.
The revolutionary impact of HMO for adults has also garnered attention and praise from fitness guru Ben Greenfield, and nutrition expert Rhonda Patrick.
Layer Origin's first ever human milk oligosaccharide product designed specifically for adults ushered in a new era in the world of HMOs. In just one serving (three capsules) you get 1800mg of HMOs that are 98.8% pure.
This best-selling product has garnered big praise from customers on social media and in product reviews on both Amazon.com/LayerOrigin and at LayerOrigin.com
Layer Origin's second HMO product, released in Fall 2020, features the same active ingredient and formula as its capsule HMO product but in powder form for faster absorption.
Layer Origin's powdered HMO allows you to scoop your serving into any type of food or beverage.
HMO is essentially tasteless but if anything has a sweet aftertaste because it is technically a sugar (saccharide).
PureHMO® Prebiotic Powder has also received high praise from customers in both reviews and on social media where fans post pictures once their order arrives and is in hand!
The powder has been recognized as a great value with its 45 servings vs. just 30 servings available with the capsules (90 capsules per bottle at 3/capsules per serving).
The powder does come in at a slightly higher price point though. Both PureHMO® Capsules and PureHMO® Powder are versatile in their own ways.
The capsules are highly portable and great for a quick dose, swallowed with a glass of water.
The powder is available for quick mixing with any liquid or even for pouring into a meal such as oatmeal or apple sauce.
The powder also offers faster absorption into the body.
Layer Origin's newest human milk oligosaccharide productis truly the best of both worlds. It is the ultimate gut health solution because of what it contains: 10 strains and 40 Billion CFU of probiotics plus 1000mg of HMO (2'-FL) prebiotics.
This combination is unrivaled and does not exist elsewhere on the market. The price point is also very affordable given the amount of CFUs according to gut health coach, Lindsey Parsons.
The HMO prebiotic + probiotic is perfect for anyone who might not be getting enough probiotic bacteria in their system via their normal food intake.
This is key because prebiotic fiber is the food for probiotic bacteria.
So, if you don't have enough existing probiotic bacteria, the prebiotics might go to waste. The reverse can also be true.
So, if you are eating lots of probiotic food then a prebiotic supplement may be sufficient, but if you might be lacking those foods in your diet, you might want to try a supplement like Layer Origin Nutrition PureHMO® Prebiotic + Probiotic, which provides both important components.
All three of these top Human Milk Oligosaccharide products designed for adults are available on Amazon and on the Layer Origin Nutrition website.
Some Layer Origin Nutrition customers report almost immediate positive changes to their gut health after just a short time taking PureHMO® prebiotic.
LANDON
"Amazing Results"
"After taking this product (PureHMO® Prebiotic Capsules) for only two weeks—a decade long battle with gut inflammation and ‘food intolerance’ has been extremely reduced. HMO’s are legit."
BRIAN
"Amazed at results!"
"I started following the protocol which includes HMO's. I found your brand and within 2 weeks started seeing improvements in a 1 year ongoing hip pain. I was just trying to heal my gut. I wasn't expecting joint pain improvement through gut health. I will definitely purchase again, not only for myself but my family. I'm excited about possible results for my childrens allergies. Thanks so much! Great product!"
MAGGIE
"5 Stars All The Way!!!"
"Both me and my partner have been taking these for the last few months now as we're following a gut protocol to restore our gut health. All we can say is these capsules from Layer Origin work, they really do! We tried another HMO product from another company with less than positive results. If you're looking for pure hmo's, I highly reccomend you stick to Layer Origin's product < 3 They also have fast shipping and great customer service :)"
SARAH
"PureHMO® Powder"
"In the UK I found it impossible to get pure HMO powder with alternatives being baby formula loaded with vegetable oils and sugar. A tip from a podcast recommended this product and its been great for improving my gut issues! Thanks a million layer origin!"
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Anonymous
December 16, 2021
Thanks for your comments. Yes, the benefits of HMO to the cognitive developments of infants/kids have been investigated by many studies. It was also proven that HMOs administered either in singular or combination forms have long-lasting, beneficial effects on memory and cognition in mammals. (The Protective and Long-Lasting Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Cognition in Mammals, Nutrients, 2020)