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Intestinal microflora and body mass index during the first three years of life: an observational study

Carl Vael1, Stijn L Verhulst2, Vera Nelen3

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Gut Pathogens
|May 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Infant gut bacteria like Bacteroides fragilis and Staphylococcus influence later obesity risk. High Bacteroides fragilis and low Staphylococcus in early infancy are linked to increased Body Mass Index Standard Deviation Score (BMI SDS).

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in host energy balance.
  • Emerging research highlights the influence of gut microbiota on obesity.
  • Understanding early-life microbial composition is key to metabolic health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between intestinal microflora and Body Mass Index Standard Deviation Score (BMI SDS) in infants.
  • To identify specific bacterial genera associated with BMI SDS during the first three years of life.
  • To explore potential microbial targets for obesity prevention in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 138 infants.
  • Faecal samples collected at 3, 26, and 52 weeks of age.
  • Culture of 6 bacterial genera and assessment of Body Mass Index Standard Deviation Score (BMI SDS) between 1 and 3 years.

Main Results:

  • A positive correlation was observed between Bacteroides fragilis concentration and BMI SDS at 3 and 26 weeks.
  • Staphylococcus concentration showed a negative correlation with BMI SDS at 3 and 52 weeks.
  • A low Staphylococcus/Bacteroides fragilis ratio at 3 weeks was associated with a higher BMI SDS in early childhood.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated intestinal Bacteroides fragilis and reduced Staphylococcus in infants (3 weeks to 1 year) correlate with increased obesity risk.
  • These findings suggest potential microbial biomarkers for predicting childhood obesity.
  • Modulating the infant gut microbiome may offer novel strategies for obesity prevention.
Abstract

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