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Oral Microbiota in Infants Fed a Formula Supplemented with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membranes - A Randomized

Niklas Timby1, Magnus Domellöf1, Pernilla Lif Holgerson2

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences/Unit of Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

Plos One
|January 19, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Supplementing infant formula with milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) moderately affected the oral microbiome in infants. Lower levels of Moraxella catarrhalis were observed in infants fed MFGM-supplemented formula, potentially linking to reduced otitis media incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Infant nutrition
  • Otitis media prevention

Background:

  • Previous studies indicated milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) supplementation in infant formula reduced otitis media incidence in infants under 6 months.
  • Understanding the impact of MFGM on infant oral microbiota is crucial for infant health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize and compare the oral microbiota of infants fed MFGM-supplemented formula versus standard formula or breast milk.
  • To investigate the potential role of oral microbiota changes in the observed reduction of otitis media.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving exclusively formula-fed infants (<2 months).
  • Infants were assigned to receive experimental formula (EF) with MFGM, standard formula (SF), or were breast-fed (BFR).
  • Oral microbiota was analyzed at 4 and 12 months using 16S rDNA sequencing.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in species richness between EF and SF groups.
  • Partial least square modeling identified lower levels of Moraxella catarrhalis in the EF group compared to the SF group.
  • Breast-fed infants (BFR) exhibited lower species richness and distinct microbiota patterns at 4 months compared to formula-fed groups.

Conclusions:

  • MFGM supplementation had a moderate impact on the infant oral microbiome.
  • Reduced prevalence of Moraxella catarrhalis in infants fed MFGM-supplemented formula may be associated with decreased otitis media.
  • Oral microbiota composition differs between breast-fed and formula-fed infants.

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