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Evaluation of Intestinal Microbial Metabolites in Preterm Infants with Different Initial Feeding Methods by In Vitro

Yunwei Li1, Jingjing Jiang1, Liying Zhu2

  • 1Peadiatric Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.

Microorganisms
|July 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Initial feeding methods significantly impact preterm infants' gut microbiota and metabolites. Human milk-fed infants showed distinct fecal characteristics and microbial activity compared to those initially fed formula.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Microbiome research
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in infant development and health.
  • Preterm infants often experience altered gut microbial colonization due to various factors, including feeding practices.
  • Understanding the impact of initial feeding strategies is vital for optimizing preterm infant care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of initial feeding methods on the intestinal microbial metabolites in preterm infants.
  • To analyze differences in fecal parameters and in vitro fermentation characteristics based on early feeding regimens.

Main Methods:

  • Noninvasive fecal sample collection from preterm infants (gestational age < 34 weeks) over time.
  • Analysis of fecal pH, ammonia, bile acids, and secretory IgA (sIgA).
  • In vitro fermentation of fecal samples with different carbohydrates (lactose, FOS, GOS, FL2) to assess degradation rates and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.

Main Results:

  • Infants fed human milk exclusively (Group A) exhibited lower fecal pH, ammonia, and bile acids compared to those initially fed formula (Group B).
  • Group B showed higher fecal sIgA levels.
  • Carbohydrate degradation rates were higher in Group A, particularly for lactose and GOS.
  • SCFA profiles differed, with Group A having generally higher SCFAs but lower valeric acid.

Conclusions:

  • Initial feeding strategies, specifically human milk versus early formula, significantly influence the gut microbial metabolites in preterm infants.
  • These differences in microbial metabolites and fecal characteristics persist for weeks.
  • Optimizing initial feeding may be key to modulating the preterm infant gut microbiome.

Keywords:
human milkinitial feeding methodsintestinal metabolitespreterm infants

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