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Age and diet effects on fecal bile acids in infants

J L Hammons1, W E Jordan, R L Stewart

  • 1Procter & Gamble Company, Miami Valley Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio 45239.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|January 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Infant feeding methods significantly alter fecal bile acid profiles. Formula-fed infants show higher secondary bile acids, with earlier lithocholic acid presence, linked to gut microbiota differences.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Metabolomics

Background:

  • Bile acids are crucial for digestion and signaling.
  • Infant gut microbiota and metabolism are influenced by diet.
  • Understanding infant bile acid profiles is key to assessing gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare fecal bile acid patterns in breast-fed versus formula-fed infants.
  • To investigate the impact of diet on secondary bile acid formation in early life.
  • To determine the age of onset for specific secondary bile acids in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fecal bile acid concentrations and patterns.
  • Longitudinal study of 28 infants (breast-fed and formula-fed) from 3-11 months.
  • Statistical comparison of bile acid profiles between feeding groups.

Main Results:

  • Breast-fed infants had lower cholic acid concentrations up to 5 months.
  • Formula-fed infants showed significantly higher proportions of secondary bile acids (33% vs 17%).
  • Lithocholic acid appeared significantly earlier in formula-fed infants' stools.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary practices profoundly influence infant fecal bile acid metabolism.
  • Distinct gut microbial populations, fostered by breast milk versus formula, drive these differences.
  • Secondary bile acids emerge earlier than previously thought, influenced by diet and microbial activity.

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