HMO levels in human milk linked to infant cognitive development: Abbott Study Data published in the Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences indicated that 2´-fucosyllactose (2´-FL) and 6´-sialyllactose (6´-SL) were positively correlated with motor scores at 6 and 18 months of age. In addition, 6´-SL levels in human milk were positively correlated with cognitive scores at 18 months of age, wrote the researchers, led by Elena Oliveros, R&D Abbott Nutrition in Granada, Spain. The study shows correlation and not causation and the researchers noted: “Further research and full-scale clinical studies are needed to elucidate the effects of HMOs in pediatric neurodevelopment as well as the mechanism(s) of action involved and the influence of Low and High 2´-FL populations.”