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Factors controlling the bacterial colonization of the intestine in breastfed infants
1Department of Immunology, Microbiology, Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Breastfeeding significantly influences infant intestinal microflora, promoting beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and altering biochemical markers. These changes, including delayed cholesterol conversion, distinguish breastfed infants from formula-fed ones.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in infant health and development.
- Understanding the composition and dynamics of infant gut microbiota is essential for optimizing infant nutrition and health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize published data on the intestinal microflora in breastfed infants over the last 15 years.
- To compare the intestinal microflora of breastfed infants with that of formula-fed infants.
- To explore geographical variations in infant intestinal microflora.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published data on infant intestinal microflora.
- Analysis of bacterial populations (Enterobacteria, Enterococci, Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides spp.).
- Assessment of biochemical parameters (acetic acid, mucin degradation, cholesterol to coprostanol conversion).
Main Results:
- Early life intestinal microflora in infants is dominated by Enterobacteria and Enterococci, followed by increases in Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides spp.
- Breastfed infants show higher concentrations of acetic acid and delayed mucin degradation and cholesterol to coprostanol conversion compared to formula-fed infants.
- Geographical location influences the prevalence of various bacteria (Enterobacteria, Enterococci, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Bacteroides) in infant gut microbiota.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding has a notable impact on the development and composition of the infant intestinal microflora.
- Biochemical markers indicate distinct microbial activity in breastfed versus formula-fed infants.
- While breastfeeding and formula feeding cause some differences, geographical factors also significantly shape infant gut microbiota composition.
Abstract:
This article summarizes the published data on the intestinal microflora in breastfed infants published during the last 15 y. Enterobacteria and enterococci are found in high numbers in most infants during the first week of life. Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides spp. are found in increasing numbers at the following weeks. The intestinal microflora in breastfed infants can also be followed by different biochemical parameters. Acetic acid is found in higher concentrations in breastfed than in formula-fed infants. Degradation of mucin starts later in breastfed than in formula-fed infants. The conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol is also delayed by breastfeeding. Geographical differences in the composition of the intestinal microflora in infants have been reported, i.e. enterobacteria, enterococci, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and bacteroides show different occurrences in developed and developing countries. There are minor differences in the infant's intestinal microflora due to breastfeeding or/and formula feeding.