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Diet and faecal flora in the newborn: nucleotides
S E Balmer1, L S Hanvey, B A Wharton
1Sorrento Maternity Hospital, Birmingham.
Summary
Nucleotide supplementation in infant formula did not promote bifidobacteria growth, contrary to expectations. This study found it discouraged bifidobacteria and altered gut flora composition in formula-fed infants.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Breast milk is rich in nucleotide salts, essential for infant gut microbiota development.
- Nucleotides are proposed cofactors for beneficial bifidobacteria growth in the infant gut.
- Breastfed infants typically exhibit higher bifidobacteria levels than formula-fed infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nucleotide-supplemented infant formula on infant fecal flora.
- To determine if nucleotide supplementation promotes bifidobacteria colonization.
- To compare the fecal microbiota of infants fed supplemented formula, unsupplemented formula, and breast milk.
Main Methods:
- Faecal flora analysis was conducted at 2, 4, and 7 weeks of age.
- Infant groups included: nucleotide-supplemented formula, unsupplemented formula, and breast milk.
- Key bacterial groups analyzed: Bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, Enterococci, and Bacteroides.
Main Results:
- At 2 weeks, nucleotide-supplemented formula group showed increased Escherichia coli colonization and dominance.
- Fewer infants in the nucleotide-supplemented group were colonized with bifidobacteria.
- Nucleotide supplementation reduced bifidobacteria and enterococci counts but increased Bacteroides percentage.
Conclusions:
- Nucleotide salt supplementation in infant formula did not enhance bifidobacteria growth.
- The addition of nucleotides to formula did not result in a fecal flora profile similar to breastfed infants.
- Current evidence does not support nucleotide addition to infant formula for promoting bifidobacteria.