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Complementary Feeding and Infant Gut Microbiota: A Narrative Review
Danielle L Noles1, Kinzie L Matzeller2,3, Daniel N Frank4
1Department of Pediatrics, Sections of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
Nutrients
|March 13, 2025
Summary
Introducing solid foods during complementary feeding influences infant gut bacteria diversity. Research shows shifts in dominant bacterial families, but conclusive evidence on specific foods and health outcomes is still limited.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Microbiome Research
- Infant Gut Health
Background:
- Complementary feeding (6-24 months) is crucial for infant nutrition and development.
- This period overlaps with critical gut microbiome maturation.
- The impact of specific solid foods on infant gut microbiota needs more study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on complementary feeding's effects on infant gut microbiota.
- To identify knowledge gaps in this research area.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of 43 studies published between January 2004 and October 2024.
- Analysis of research on complementary feeding and infant gut microbiota.
Main Results:
- Solid food introduction generally increased gut microbial alpha-diversity.
- Infant gut microbiota shifts from Bifidobacteriaceae to Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridium spp.
- Evidence on the timing of introduction and individual food effects was inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Conclusive evidence linking complementary feeding practices to specific infant gut microbiota outcomes is lacking.
- Variations in study design and dietary assessment limit current understanding.
- Future research should investigate individual food impacts and microbiota-health relationships.
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