Sialic acid and neurodevelopment
A molecular and cellular approach
Breast milk contains a unique composition of bioactive components and is generally considered the gold standard for infant nutrition. Ongoing research in the field of pediatric nutrition aims to identify components of breast milk that confer physiological benefits to the newborn and can be added to milk substitutes (formulas). Among the nutritional components that currently differ in concentration between breast milk and milk substitutes are oligosaccharides.
In our research, we are investigating the effect of sialic acid on neurodevelopment, in particular on myelin and synapse formation and neural transmission. Our aim is also to identify the clinically relevant dose at which sialic acid-containing milk could support neurological development.