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Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

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Updated: May 28, 2026

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers
07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

Bioactive-Supplemented Infant Formulas and Early Gut-Immune-Endocrine Development: A Narrative Review.

Salvatore Scirè Calabrisotto1, Roberta Leonardi1,2, Marco Guercio1

  • 1Postgraduate Residency Program in Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bioactive-supplemented infant formulas support gut health and normal growth when breastfeeding isn't possible. While generally safe, more research is needed on their long-term effects on immunity and development.

Keywords:
bioactive-supplemented infant formulagut microbiotagut–brain axishuman milk oligosaccharidesimmune developmentinfant growthinfant nutritionpostbioticsprebioticsprobiotics

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Last Updated: May 28, 2026

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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Microbiome Research
  • Infant Development

Background:

  • Early life nutrition is crucial for infant growth, immunity, and development, interacting with the gut microbiota.
  • Breast milk is optimal, but specialized formulas can enhance outcomes when breastfeeding is not feasible.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on infant formulas supplemented with prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and human milk oligosaccharides.
  • To evaluate their impact on gut microbiota, gastrointestinal function, growth, immunity, and neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of current scientific literature.
  • Focus on bioactive substances in infant formulas.
  • Analysis of effects on gut microbiota, growth, immunity, and other physiological systems.

Main Results:

  • Bioactive-supplemented formulas are safe, well-tolerated, and support normal growth.
  • Consistent benefits observed in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting a bifidogenic profile and improving stool characteristics.
  • Evidence for systemic immune, endocrine, and neurodevelopmental effects is promising but heterogeneous.

Conclusions:

  • These formulas are a valuable option when breastfeeding is not feasible, offering gastrointestinal benefits.
  • Further research is required to fully understand their long-term functional and clinical implications, especially for systemic effects.
  • Clinical appropriateness and evidence-based use are essential for these specialized infant nutrition products.