Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
04:16

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

Breast milk: a source of bifidobacteria for infant gut development and maturation?

Miguel Gueimonde1, Kirsi Laitinen, Seppo Salminen

  • 1Functional Foods Forum and Departments, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. miguel.gueimonde@utu.fi

Neonatology
|June 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Human breast milk contains bifidobacteria, beneficial bacteria crucial for infant gut health. This discovery highlights breast milk

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Gut microbiota establishment is vital for infant gut and immune system development.
  • Early-life gut dysbiosis can increase disease risk.
  • Breast-fed infants typically have a gut microbiota rich in bifidobacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To use molecular techniques, specifically polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to detect bifidobacteria in human milk.
  • To identify the specific species of bifidobacteria present in breast milk samples.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 20 breast milk samples.
  • Employed PCR for qualitative detection of bifidobacteria.
  • Utilized real-time PCR for quantitative analysis of bifidobacteria.

Main Results:

  • Bifidobacteria were detected in the analyzed breast milk samples.
  • The most prevalent species identified was Bifidobacterium longum.
  • Other identified species included Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium catenulatum.

Conclusions:

  • Human breast milk harbors bifidobacteria.
  • Specific Bifidobacterium species found in breast milk may contribute to healthy gut microbiota development in infants.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Probiotics01:22

Probiotics

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits by modulating the gut microbiota. The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a complex microbial ecosystem, and the balance of this microbiota is crucial for digestive and systemic health. Among the most extensively studied and utilized probiotics are species formerly classified within the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These organisms not only naturally colonize the human gut but are also consumed through...
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...