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[Human colostrum: a natural source of probiotics?]
F R Novak1, J A Almeida, G O Silva
1Instituto Fernandes - IFF / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 4, 2003
Summary
Human colostrum contains a diverse microbiota, notably lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria may serve as beneficial probiotics for newborns during early breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Nutrition
Background:
- Human colostrum plays a crucial role in infant nutrition and immune development.
- Understanding the microbial composition of colostrum is essential for identifying potential probiotic sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microbiota of human colostrum.
- To investigate the presence of potential probiotic microorganisms in colostrum.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 70 human colostrum samples.
- Microbiological assessment for various bacterial groups, molds, yeasts, and specific pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and coliforms.
Main Results:
- Colostrum exhibited a diversified microbiota, including mesophilic, thermoduric, psychrotrophic, proteolytic, lipolytic microorganisms, molds, yeasts, Staphylococcus aureus, total coliforms, and lactic acid bacteria.
- Lactic acid bacteria were present in 37.2% of samples.
- Specific microorganisms like thermoduric-psychrotrophic, fecal coliforms, and Group D Streptococcus were absent.
Conclusions:
- Human colostrum harbors a rich microbiota, particularly lactic acid bacteria.
- These lactic acid bacteria have the potential to act as probiotics for infants in the early days of life.