Breastfeeding: a key modulator of gut microbiota characteristics in late infancy

M Matsuyama1, L F Gomez-Arango2, N M Fukuma3

  • 11Children's Nutrition Research Centre,UQ Child Health Research Centre,Faculty of Medicine,The University of Queensland,South Brisbane,QLD,Australia.

Insights

Breastfeeding duration significantly impacts infant gut microbiota at one year, influencing bacterial composition. Mode of delivery and antibiotic exposure showed no discernible effects on these healthy children's gut microbial profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Human Gut Microbiome

Background:

  • Infant gut microbiota development is influenced by early-life factors.
  • Key factors often cited include mode of delivery, breastfeeding, and antibiotic exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of delivery mode, breastfeeding duration, and antibiotic exposure on infant gut microbiota at one year of age.
  • To analyze how feeding patterns (breastfeeding vs. formula) affect gut microbial profiles in late infancy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of bacterial 16S-rRNA gene V3/V4 amplicons from stool samples of 52 healthy Australian 1-year-olds.
  • Sequencing via Illumina MiSeq, data processing with Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME), and analysis using Calypso software.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in gut microbiota profiles were observed between breastfed and weaned infants (P<0.05), irrespective of solid food introduction age.
  • Breastfed infants showed higher abundance of Veillonella spp., while weaned infants had a more mature microbiota with increased Firmicutes.
  • No significant differentiation in microbiota profiles was found based on delivery mode or antibiotic exposure.
  • Feeding patterns involving exclusive breastfeeding alongside solids differed significantly from mixed feeding (breastmilk, formula, and solids).

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding duration remains a significant factor shaping gut microbial communities in infants even when consuming solid foods.
  • The influence of delivery mode and antibiotic exposure on the gut microbiota of healthy 1-year-olds was not discernible in this study.
  • Findings highlight the prolonged impact of breastfeeding on infant gut microbiome composition into the second year of life.

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