Webinars

From Breast Milk to Benchtop: Exploring the Clinical Promise of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

What maternal factors influence HMO composition in human milk, and how do HMOs impact digestion, brain development, and immune function?

Presenter(s): Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND; Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Date: 10 December 2025

Time: 3-4 PM ET

Location: Live webinar

Continuing Education Credits: RN 1.0 CE; RD 1.0 CPEU

Summary

In this free, live accredited webinar, Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND and Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND, will describe the maternal factors that influence the profile of HMOs in Human Milk; discuss how HMOs influence digestion health, brain development, and immune function; and explore the clinical significance of HMOs, the role of HMOs beyond infancy, and future direction for HMO research.

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From Breast Milk to Benchtop: Exploring the Clinical Promise of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

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Key Takeaways:

  • Maternal factors such as genetics, diet, BMI, lactation stage, and geography can influence HMO composition in breast milk. 
  • HMOs play critical roles in digestions, brain development, and immune function.
  • Clinical applications are expanding in both pediatric and adult populations, with growing evidence for use in GI disorders, allergies, infections and metabolic health.

Related Questions:

  • What are the three major HMO categories present in Human Milk?
    Fucosylated HMOs, Salicylated HMOs, and N-acetylated HMOs
  • What are some factors that can influence HMO status?
    Factors may include, number of deliveries, delivery mode, genetics, maternal diet, maternal body mass index, and length of lactation.

Presenter Bio(s):

Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Senior Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Palmview, TX, USA

Andie Lee Gonzalez is a Medical Science Liaison with the Pediatric MSL Team. Dr Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, a Master in Public Health (MPH) and clinical Dietetic training at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate work focused on nutrition and migrant farmworker children health. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Her previous roles included inpatient and outpatient counseling for adults and pediatric patients. She was an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, and served as an AmeriCorps-Health Corps member. Dr Gonzalez also serves in various community nutrition-focused local and national organizations. A few roles include President-Elect for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and chair for Grants and Awards with the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Austin, TX, USA   

Dr Lauren Spain is a dedicated nutrition professional with extensive experience in leadership, research, and wellness. She currently serves as a Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott’s Nutrition Division. Her expertise spans pediatric nutrition, wellness programming, and public health initiatives.   

Dr Spain earned her PhD in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. She completed her dietetic internship at Emory University Hospital and worked as a Clinical Dietitian prior to obtaining her PhD. Her research focused on protein sources and their effects on pediatric bone health and cognitive function. She previously served as Associated Department Head for Undergraduate Programs at Texas A&M University where she oversaw curriculum and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses.   

Dr Spain is active within the nutrition community and has held multiple leadership roles including serving as delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) for the Nutrition Educators for Health Professionals Dietetics Practice Group and President of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recently began her tenure as Director-at-Large for the AND in June 2025. 

Dr Spain is an accomplished speaker and clinician, committed to driving innovative care in nutrition, health, and wellness.

 

References:

  • Sun W, et al. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2025;14:1386421.
  • Hill DR, et al. Nutrients. 2021;13(10):3364.
  • Berger PK, et al. Nutrients. 2023;15(3):719.
  • Ko J, et al. Nutrients. 2024;16(19):3387.
  • Sun W, et al. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2025;14:1386421.}

Disclosures:

  • Webinar speakers are employees of Abbott Medical Affairs & Research
Category
CE CPEU Neonatal Prenatal & Neonatal