Longevity & Aging

Breast Milk Sugar Boosts Good Gut Bacteria and Metabolism in Older Adults

Researchers at Stanford ran a 6-week randomized controlled trial giving 89 adults (mean age 67) either 1g or 5g daily of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), a sugar found in human breast milk, or a placebo. While the primary endpoint—cytokine response—was not met, 2′-FL significantly increased gut Bifidobacterium, raised HDL cholesterol, fasting insulin, and the metabolic hormone FGF21. Participants whose Bifidobacterium levels responded to the supplement also showed improved visual memory and broader metabolic and proteomic changes. Those who lacked Bifidobacterium at baseline were less likely to respond. The findings suggest human milk oligosaccharides retain biological relevance well beyond infancy, offering a promising prebiotic strategy to support healthy aging.