Comprehensive quantification of functional oligosaccharides in camel milk using targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Camel milk is recognized for its unique nutritional and functional properties, particularly due to its distinct oligosaccharide composition, which closely resembles human milk oligosaccharides. Despite growing interest, a comprehensive analysis of camel milk oligosaccharides remains limited. This study employed liquid chromatography–tandem MS to quantitatively analyze 12 key oligosaccharides in 60 camel milk samples, providing unprecedented insights into their distribution and variability. The results revealed significant variability in oligosaccharide concentrations across samples, with lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N-neotetraose, and 6′-sialyllactose emerging as the predominant structures. Statistical analyses confirmed the heterogeneity in oligosaccharide distribution, and correlation analysis suggested biosynthetic linkages among sialylated oligosaccharides, providing insight into their metabolic regulation. The findings from this study establish a scientific basis for the potential application of camel milk oligosaccharides in functional food development and therapeutic nutrition. Future research should focus on understanding the genetic-, dietary-, and lactation-related factors influencing oligosaccharide biosynthesis and investigating their bioavailability and metabolic impact on human health. This study provides a comprehensive and high-resolution analysis of camel milk oligosaccharides, reinforcing the nutritional significance and functional potential of camel milk. These insights pave the way for future advancements in dairy science and the development of novel dietary applications.