A method for enhancing an individual's mucosal innate immune response to pathogens is disclosed. The method includes a step of administering a nutritional composition to the individual. The nutritional composition includes about 0.05 to about 0.5 mg/mL 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), about 0.05 to about 0.5 mg/mL lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), or a combination of both. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing an individual's mucosal innate immune detection of pathogens. The method includes a step of administering a nutritional composition to the individual. The nutritional composition includes a neutral human milk oligosaccharide.
