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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
04:16
Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
Published on: February 7, 2025
Prebiotics in human milk: a review.
G V Coppa1, L Zampini, T Galeazzi
1Institute of Maternal-Infantile Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via F. Corridoni, 11, 60123 Ancona, Italy. g.v.coppa@univpm.it
Summary
Newborn gut microbes are influenced by delivery method and feeding. Human milk, particularly oligosaccharides, promotes beneficial bifidobacteria in infants, establishing a healthy gut microbiome.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Human Gut Microbiome
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- The human intestinal tract is colonized by microbes shortly after birth.
- Mode of delivery and infant feeding significantly shape early gut flora composition.
- Breast milk is known to promote a specific microbial profile in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors influencing the establishment of the infant gut microbiome.
- To understand the role of human milk components in promoting beneficial bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Observational study comparing gut microbiota composition based on delivery mode and feeding type.
- Analysis of human milk components and their potential prebiotic effects.
Main Results:
- Delivery method impacts initial intestinal flora.
- Breast-fed infants exhibit a higher prevalence of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli compared to bottle-fed infants.
- Human milk oligosaccharides are confirmed as key drivers of bifidobacteria-dominant microflora.
Conclusions:
- Infant gut microbiome development is a complex process influenced by early-life exposures.
- Human milk provides essential factors, especially oligosaccharides, that selectively promote beneficial gut bacteria.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for infant health and microbiome modulation strategies.
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