A young child formula with Limosilactobacillus reuteri and GOS modulates gut microbiome and enhances bone and muscle...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Microbiome Research
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Early childhood is a critical period for musculoskeletal development.
• Gut microbiota composition influences systemic health, including bone and muscle.
• Synbiotics, combining probiotics and prebiotics, show potential for modulating gut microbiota and improving health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of an experimental young child formula (EYCF) containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) on musculoskeletal development in Filipino toddlers.
• To assess the impact of the EYCF on gut microbiota composition and function.
• To explore the relationship between gut microbiota changes and musculoskeletal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month randomized, double-blind controlled trial involving 182 Filipino children aged 2-3 years.
• Participants received either EYCF (L. reuteri + GOS) or a control milk (CM).
• Outcomes included tibia speed of sound, muscle strength, vitamin D levels, bone turnover markers, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolites.

Main Results:

• Children consuming EYCF showed significantly increased tibia speed of sound at 3 and 6 months compared to CM.
• EYCF consumption altered gut microbiome composition, increasing L. reuteri and Bifidobacteria abundance.
• Increased L. reuteri abundance correlated with improved bone quality and muscle strength.

Conclusions:

• Consumption of EYCF containing L. reuteri and GOS synbiotic enhances musculoskeletal development in toddlers.
• The improvements are mediated by modulation of gut microbiota composition and function, highlighting gut-musculoskeletal crosstalk.
• This study provides valuable insights into the role of synbiotics in early life development.