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Differences in microbial composition between breast- and formula-fed infants are associated with differential health outcomes, such as increased instances of asthma, allergy, and obesity in formula-fed infants
Breastfeeding promotes colonization of the microbes dominant in infants born vaginally.
Thus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, and Streptococci dominate gut microbiota, particularly in breastfed infants delivered vaginally.
Breast milk plays a crucial part in shaping the microbial community composition via transmission of the milk microbiota to the infant gut (), protection from harmful species by secreted maternal antibodies (), and selection for certain species by milk oligosaccharides, which can be used by microorganisms as carbon sources ()
Newborn gut microbiota is similar the mother's vaginal flora (rich in lactobacilli).
The further development of the newborn gut microbiota is decisively influenced by breastfeeding.
Breast milk is considered the gold nutritional standard for infants and acts as an important dietary supplement for early life microbial communities, including Bifidobacterium
Xu et al. (2024) conducted a study in mice that found the complement components in breast milk play a significant role in shaping the offspring's evolving gut commensal microbiota, thereby conferring protection and promoting infant health.
The study revealed that breast milk's complement proteins eliminate specific bacteria, creating an environment where harmful inflammation is less likely in the presence of certain pathogens, such as Citrobacter rodentium
This activity does not require antibodies and operates as a nonspecific immune response
These findings provide valuable insights into the protective mechanisms of breast milk and its role in shaping infant gut microbiota and defending against infections
see also:
Bifidobacterium / Bifidobacter & Breastfeeding
Development of Gut Microbiota
Human milk / Breast milk
Vaginally Delivery