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Milk fat globule membrane in early-life nutrition: composition, production, and biological effects on infant immune

Emine Kocyigit1, Elif Çelik2, Özge Cemali3

  • 1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ordu University, Ordu, Türkiye.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|July 3, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) components promote beneficial gut bacteria in infants. MFGM-enriched diets may enhance infant gut health and development, especially for formula-fed babies.

Area of Science:

  • * Nutritional Science
  • * Microbiology
  • * Immunology

Background:

  • * The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex structure in mammalian milk, rich in bioactive lipids and proteins.
  • * MFGM plays a crucial role in infant development, influencing gut microbiota and immune system maturation.
  • * Early-life gut microbiome colonization is vital for immunological tolerance, metabolic programming, and pathogen defense.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review the influence of MFGM on infant gut microbiota regulation.
  • * To explore MFGM's role in immune system maturation and overall infant health.
  • * To highlight MFGM-enriched dietary strategies for formula-fed infants.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review of studies on MFGM composition and function.
  • * Analysis of research on MFGM's effects on infant gut microbiota.
  • * Examination of clinical and preclinical data regarding MFGM supplementation.

Main Results:

  • * MFGM components act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
  • * MFGM supplementation in infant formula is associated with breastfed-like microbiota profiles.
  • * MFGM enhances gut barrier function, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and aids pathogen defense.

Conclusions:

  • * MFGM significantly influences gut microbiota composition and function in infants.
  • * MFGM-enriched diets show potential for improving gut colonization and long-term infant health, particularly in formula-fed populations.
  • * Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to fully elucidate MFGM's impact on the gut microbiome and health benefits.

Keywords:
growthhealthinfantmicrobiomemilk fat globule membraneneurocognitive

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