Label-free targeted LC-ESI-MS analysis of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS) and related human milk groups with enhanced structural selectivity.

Human milk (HM) supports the healthy development of neonates and exerts many of its beneficial effects via contained free human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS). These HMOS exhibit a complexity and structural diversity that pose a significant analytical challenge. A detailed characterization of HMOS is essential as every individual structure may have a different function/activity.