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Early-Life Gut Microbiome-The Importance of Maternal and Infant Factors in Its Establishment

Fatemeh Ramezani Kapourchali1, Gail A M Cresci1,2,3

  • 1Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Nutrition in Clinical Practice : Official Publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|April 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The early-life gut microbiome significantly impacts infant development and health. This review explores maternal and infant factors, including feeding strategies, to support a healthy neonatal gut microbial community.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Human Health

Background:

  • The early-life microbiome plays a crucial role in infant development and long-term health.
  • Neonatal gut microbial colonization is influenced by various maternal and infant factors.
  • Altered early-life gut microbiota is linked to chronic conditions like obesity, asthma, and allergies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review maternal and infant factors influencing early-life gut microbial colonization.
  • To examine the role of infant feeding in shaping the neonatal gut microbiome.
  • To discuss evidence-based supplementation strategies for protecting and restoring the infant gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of factors affecting the early-life gut microbiome.
  • Analysis of infant feeding practices and their impact on microbial composition.
  • Evaluation of supplementation strategies for infant gut health.

Main Results:

  • Maternal health, delivery mode, and early feeding practices are key determinants of the neonatal gut microbiome.
  • Breastfeeding promotes a beneficial microbial profile, while formula feeding can be modulated by additives.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics show potential in protecting and restoring infant gut microbiota.

Conclusions:

  • Optimizing maternal and infant factors is essential for establishing a healthy early-life gut microbiome.
  • Targeted infant feeding strategies and supplementation can positively influence gut microbial development.
  • Further research is needed to refine evidence-based interventions for long-term infant health.

Keywords:
asthmadevelopmental disabilitiesgastrointestinal microbiomehuman milkinfant formulamicrobiotaobesitypediatricsprebiotics

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