In a recent Nutrients journal study, scientists explore the practices of human milk banks (HMBs) and the health outcomes of infants fed with donated human milk. Study: Personalized Nutrition with Banked Human Milk for Early Gut Microbiota Development: In Pursuit of the Perfect Match . Image Credit: Evgenyrychko / Shutterstock.
com Millions of microorganisms reside in the human and animal gut and influence hosts' physiology, immunity, and metabolic function. Several studies have indicated the importance of initial microbial colonization, as this process significantly shapes an individual's health throughout their lifespan. Babies born vaginally are exposed to maternal vaginal and fecal microbiota composed mainly of Prevotella, Escherichia/Shigella Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Atopobium, and Bifidobacterium genera members.
Comparatively, babies born through Cesarean section will be exposed to the microbiota of the mother's skin and hospital environment, which has been attributed to higher levels of Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., and Escherichia coli that will subsequently colonize the gut microbiota, as well as lower levels of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium .
Breast milk intake is the most crucial factor for optimal colonization and establishment of the infant gut microbiota. Oligosaccharides are a key component of breast milk that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium , and Bacteroides . Feeding mode is also crucial for early m.