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Gut Microbiome

Examine the clinical evidence supporting the baby gut microbiome, and why infants need a balanced gut microbiome for their immune function and development3.

The gut microbiome is the name given to the trillions of microbes1 and their genetic material living in our gastrointestinal tract2. The gut microbiome is connected to many aspects of health including digestion and metabolism4. It is also essential for the development of a healthy immune system4. The gut microbiome works with the immune cells that live in the gut, supporting appropriate immune response4,5.

The infant’s gut microbiome rapidly develops during and post-birth through vaginal, faecal and skin exposure6. Breastfeeding is crucial for the development of the gut microbiome as breast milk contains many microbes that colonise the baby’s gut3-4,6. Breast milk also contains unique prebiotics called Human Milk Oligosaccharides that promote the growth of good bacteria and help fight off bad bacteria6. Some factors negatively influence the development of the gut microbiome, including: caesarean delivery, gestational age of the infant, unnecessary antibiotic use and exclusive formula feeding3,6.

Recommendations to promote the development of a healthy gut microbiome:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life with the introduction of appropriate, diverse complementary foods, alongside continued breastfeeding3,6
  • Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs): If formula is being used, clinically tested infant formula milk supplemented with prebiotics such as HMOs7-8
  • Avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics use in early life

Also, investigate what the clinical evidence suggests is the relationship between HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides, present in breast milk) and the infant microbiota: and how the unique structure of each HMO contributes to its specific function resulting in the diverse roles of HMOs for early gut development9.

Baby sat and looking at his belly

What is the gut microbiome?

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Mother holding sleeping baby

HMOs and the infant microbiota

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Mother holding and soothing her baby

Probiotics, the gut microbiome and feeding issues

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References
  1. Sender et al. PLoS Biol 14(8):2016.
  2. Swanson et al. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 17(11) 2020.
  3. Moore & Townsend et al. Open Biol. 9:2019.
  4. Turroni et al. Italian Journal of Pediatrics 46(16)2020.
  5. Vighi, G et al. Clinical and Experimental Immunology 153:2008.
  6. Muller et al. Trends Mol Med 21(2):2015.
  7. Puccio et al. JPGN (64) 624–631 2017.
  8. Berger et al., mBio 2020.
  9. Bosheva M. et al. Infant Formula With a Specific Blend of Five Human Milk Oligosaccharides Drives the Gut Microbiota Development and Improves Gut Maturation Markers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in Medicine. July 2022 https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.920362. Accessed August 2022.
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