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Different Effects of Premature Infant Formula and Breast Milk on Intestinal Microecological Development in Premature

Cheng Chen1, Qiuyue Yin2, Hui Wu3

  • 1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|February 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Breast milk (BM) enhances gut microbial diversity in premature infants, while formula milk (FM) increases beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Feeding method and environment significantly impact infant gut ecology.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Intestinal microecology plays a role in disease pathogenesis.
  • Premature infant gut microbiota differs from full-term infants and is influenced by factors like diet and antibiotics.
  • Limited research exists on diet's specific impact on premature infant gut microbial development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential effects of formula milk (FM) and breast milk (BM) on the intestinal microecology of premature infants.
  • To explore the influence of feeding methods and growth environment on the development of intestinal microecology in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of intestinal microecology in premature infants fed with FM versus BM.
  • Assessment of alpha and beta diversity, genomic function, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
  • Correlation analysis between intestinal microecology, gestational age, and weight gain.

Main Results:

  • Breast milk (BM) feeding was associated with increased alpha diversity of intestinal flora.
  • Formula milk (FM) feeding was linked to elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut.
  • Growth environment significantly influenced beta diversity, genomic function, and the evolutionary trajectory of intestinal microecology.

Conclusions:

  • Feeding method (BM vs. FM) differentially impacts the intestinal microecology of premature infants.
  • Intestinal microecology is significantly associated with gestational age and infant weight gain.
  • Findings provide a foundation for optimizing feeding strategies to promote healthy intestinal development in premature infants.

Keywords:
breast milkenvironmentintestinal microecologypremature infantpremature infant formula

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