Term Infant Formulas Influencing Gut Microbiota: An Overview
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Valentina Fabiano1, Flavia Indrio2,3, Elvira Verduci1
1Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20154 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Intestinal colonization of the neonate is highly dependent on the term of pregnancy, the mode of delivery, the type of feeding [breast feeding or formula feeding]. Postnatal immune maturation is dependent on the intestinal microbiome implementation and composition and type of feeding is a key issue in the human gut development, the diversity of microbiome, and the intestinal function. It is well established that exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or more has several benefits with respect to formula feeding. The composition of the new generation of infant formulas aims in mimicking HM by reproducing its beneficial effects on intestinal microbiome and on the gut associated immune system (GAIS). Several approaches have been developed currently for designing new infant formulas by the addition of bioactive ingredients such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), probiotics, prebiotics [fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs)], or by obtaining the so-called post-biotics also known as milk fermentation products. The aim of this article is to guide the practitioner in the understanding of these different types of Microbiota Influencing Formulas by listing and summarizing the main concepts and characteristics of these different models of enriched IFs with bioactive ingredients.
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