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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...
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...
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...
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,...
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...
Overview of Protein Metabolism01:21

Overview of Protein Metabolism

Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

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Microbial Interactions with Protein Intake and Preterm Infant Body Composition: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized

Katie M Strobel1, Heather B Jaspan2, Sean M Gibbons3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

The Journal of Nutrition
|July 12, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Additional protein supplementation in preterm infants improved growth and altered gut microbiota composition. Microbial and clinical factors significantly predicted body composition, highlighting their combined role in infant development.

Keywords:
Prematuritybody compositionmicrobiomenutritionprotein

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers
09:36

Effect of Hyaluronic Acid 35 kDa on an In Vitro Model of Preterm Small Intestinal Injury and Healing Using Enteroid-Derived Monolayers

Published on: July 28, 2022

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
04:16

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

Published on: February 7, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition and microbiome research
  • Infant growth and body composition analysis
  • Gut microbiota and its role in infant development

Background:

  • Enteral protein supplementation is known to enhance growth in preterm infants.
  • Protein intake may influence body composition and the gut microbial community.
  • Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing infant care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of increased enteral protein on the gut microbiota in preterm infants.
  • To identify microbial and clinical factors that drive body composition outcomes.
  • To elucidate the relationship between protein supplementation, gut microbiota, and infant body composition.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a randomized trial comparing additional enteral protein to standard fortification in preterm infants (25-28 weeks gestation).
  • Stool samples analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt2 for microbial and functional potential assessment.
  • Body composition measured via air-displacement plethysmography; LASSO and multivariable regression used for predictor identification.

Main Results:

  • The protein group exhibited higher gut microbial diversity (Shannon diversity) at week 4.
  • Specific bacterial abundances (e.g., Peptoniphilus, Vibrio) and predicted metabolic pathways differed between groups.
  • Bacillus abundance at week 4 strongly predicted both fat-free and fat mass z-scores.

Conclusions:

  • Additional protein supplementation positively influenced fat-free mass and altered the gut microbiota in extremely preterm infants.
  • Both clinical and microbial variables emerged as significant predictors of body composition.
  • Nutrition, clinical status, and the gut microbiota interact to shape body composition in this vulnerable population.