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The Effect of Breast Milk Microbiota on the Composition of Infant Gut Microbiota: A Cohort Study

Yapeng Li1, Lei Ren2, Yunyi Wang1

  • 1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Nutrients
|December 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Breast milk microbiota partially shapes infant gut microbiota, influencing key bacteria like Lactobacillus. This effect appears indirect, possibly mediated by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Gut Health

Background:

  • The infant gut microbiome is crucial for health.
  • Breast milk is known to contain its own microbiota.
  • The relationship between breast milk and infant gut microbial colonization requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare how breast milk microbiota influences the development of gut microbiota in newborns.
  • To investigate the correlation between breast milk microbiota and infant gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA sequencing and SCFA detection were performed on breast milk and fecal samples from 23 infants (breastfeeding vs. mixed feeding).
  • Samples were collected at birth (day 0) and 30 days postpartum.
  • Infants were categorized based on feeding method within one month of age.

Main Results:

  • Dominant bacterial phyla in breast milk microbiota included Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria.
  • Significant correlations were observed between breast milk microbiota and infant gut microbiota in both feeding groups.
  • Breast milk microbiota showed a stronger correlation with infant SCFAs in the exclusively breastfeeding group compared to the mixed feeding group.

Conclusions:

  • Breast milk microbiota plays a partial role in shaping the infant gut microbiome.
  • Key bacterial genera like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterobacter are influential.
  • The influence is likely indirect, potentially mediated by SCFAs and cross-feeding, rather than direct strain transmission.

Keywords:
SCFAsbreastfeedinggut microbiotainfant

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