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Published on: April 13, 2019

OLIGOSACCHARIDES IN INFANTS' FAECES

S BAAR, H BICKEL

    Journal of Clinical Pathology
    |May 1, 1964
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fecal oligosaccharides in newborn infants were analyzed. Breast-fed infants had unique fucose-containing oligosaccharides, suggesting differences in early infant gut microbiota composition.

    Area of Science:

    • Human Physiology
    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • The infant gut microbiome is established early in life.
    • Diet, particularly breastfeeding, significantly influences gut composition.
    • Oligosaccharides are key components of human milk and can impact gut bacteria.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the oligosaccharide profiles in the feces of early-life infants.
    • To compare oligosaccharide composition between breast-fed and artificially fed infants.
    • To identify potential dietary markers in infant feces.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of concentrated fecal extracts from infants in their first week of life.
    • Utilized paper chromatography for separation and detection of oligosaccharides.
    • Performed complete hydrolysis of isolated oligosaccharides to determine constituent sugars.

    Main Results:

    • Detected five distinct oligosaccharide spots in addition to lactose, glucose, and galactose.
    • Identified a unique fucose spot exclusively in breast-fed infants.
    • Hydrolysis confirmed glucose and galactose as common components, with fucose present in two specific oligosaccharides.

    Conclusions:

    • Infant fecal oligosaccharide profiles differ based on feeding method (breast vs. artificial).
    • The presence of fucose-containing oligosaccharides in breast-fed infants suggests specific microbial utilization or origin.
    • These findings provide preliminary insights into early infant gut biochemistry and diet-microbe interactions.

    Keywords:
    CHROMATOGRAPHYCLINICAL RESEARCHFECESINFANT NUTRITIONINFANT, NEWBORNOLIGOSACCHARIDES

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