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Related Experiment Videos

Host-microflora correlations in infant nutrition.

W Heine1, C Mohr, K D Wutzke

  • 1Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital, University of Rostock/Germany.

Progress in Food & Nutrition Science
|January 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Bifidobacteria in infants efficiently convert dietary nitrogen into microbial protein, with most being absorbed and retained by the infant. This highlights a significant nutrient contribution from gut microbes, especially during growth or low protein intake.

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Area of Science:

  • Human Microbiome Research
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • The human intestinal microflora is a substantial source of metabolic activity.
  • The symbiotic relationship between gut microbes and hosts, particularly infants, requires further investigation.
  • Understanding microbial nitrogen metabolism is crucial for host nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extent of microbial assimilation by the host in breast-fed infants.
  • To determine the biogenetic contribution of bifidobacteria to infant nutrition.
  • To quantify the nitrogen transfer from bifidobacteria to the infant.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing 15N-labeled bifidobacteria for oral pulse labeling studies in infants.
  • Measuring the absorption and retention of labeled microbial protein in the infant's body.
  • Analyzing nitrogen flux from the gut microflora to the host's protein pool.

Main Results:

  • Bifidobacteria can upgrade nonessential nitrogen, such as urea, into microbial protein.
  • Oral administration of 15N-labeled bifidobacteria resulted in approximately 90% absorption.
  • Around 70% of the absorbed microbial nitrogen was retained in the infant's protein pool.
  • Demonstrated significant substrate flow from the microflora to the infant host.

Conclusions:

  • The infant gut microbiota, specifically bifidobacteria, plays a vital role in nitrogen assimilation and protein synthesis.
  • A substantial portion of microbial protein is transferred to and utilized by the infant, contributing to their protein pool.
  • This microbial contribution is particularly significant during periods of high growth or inadequate dietary protein intake.

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