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Early Nutrition as a Modulator of Neurodevelopment via the Gut Microbiota in Preterm Neonates

Chrysoula Kosmeri1, Foteini Balomenou2, Fani Ladomenou1

  • 1Child Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Early nutrition for preterm infants is vital for brain development and gut health. Optimizing nutrition can promote beneficial gut bacteria, potentially improving long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition
  • Microbiome research
  • Neurodevelopmental pediatrics

Background:

  • Preterm birth increases neurodevelopmental risks due to interrupted early brain development.
  • Early nutrition influences brain growth and gut microbiota, crucial for infant health.
  • Human milk supports beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus), aiding intestinal protection and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between early nutrition, gut microbiota development, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm neonates.
  • To highlight the impact of nutritional interventions on the gut-brain axis in vulnerable infants.

Main Methods:

  • This is a narrative review synthesizing existing clinical and experimental studies.
  • Focuses on the role of early nutrition and its impact on gut microbiota composition.
  • Examines the gut-brain axis as a mediator of nutritional effects on neurodevelopment.

Main Results:

  • Formula feeding, antibiotics, and stress can disrupt gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis.
  • Gut microbiota alterations may negatively impact brain development via the gut-brain axis.
  • Nutritional strategies (protein, energy, probiotics, prebiotics) show potential for improving gut microbiota and neurodevelopment.

Conclusions:

  • Early nutrition is critical for preterm infants during sensitive brain development periods.
  • Supporting healthy gut microbiota through nutrition may improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Nutritional interventions are promising for enhancing neurodevelopment in preterm neonates.

Keywords:
gut microbiotaneurodevelopmentnutritionpreterm neonates

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