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Term Infant Formulas Influencing Gut Microbiota: An Overview
Valentina Fabiano1, Flavia Indrio2,3, Elvira Verduci1
1Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20154 Milan, Italy.
Infant gut microbiome development is influenced by feeding type. New infant formulas enriched with bioactive ingredients like human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and prebiotics aim to mimic breast milk benefits for immune and gut health.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
Background:
- Infant gut microbiome establishment is crucial for immune maturation and is influenced by feeding practices.
- Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits compared to formula feeding.
- The composition and function of the infant gut microbiome impact overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide practitioners with a guide to understanding Microbiota Influencing Formulas (MIFs).
- To summarize the characteristics of novel infant formulas designed to modulate the infant gut microbiome.
- To highlight the role of bioactive ingredients in infant formula development.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on infant nutrition and microbiome.
- Analysis of the composition and functional effects of various bioactive ingredients.
- Categorization of different types of enhanced infant formulas.
Main Results:
- Exclusive breastfeeding promotes a beneficial gut microbiome composition.
- New infant formulas incorporate human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), prebiotics (FOSs, GOSs), probiotics, and postbiotics.
- These enriched formulas aim to replicate the positive effects of human milk on the infant gut microbiome and immune system.
Conclusions:
- Microbiota Influencing Formulas represent a significant advancement in infant nutrition.
- The strategic addition of bioactive ingredients can positively influence infant gut health and immune development.
- Understanding these enhanced formulas is essential for healthcare practitioners guiding infant feeding choices.
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