Work

Intake of live microorganisms and microbial composition in the early stages of life

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: While diet is known to influence gut microbiota (GM), the role of live microorganisms (LMOs) has not been previously studied in early childhood. The objective of this study was to estimate the intake of LMOs during the first 48 months of life in a cohort of children and to study its potential impact on the GM. To this end, an LMO-content table was created, validated, and used to estimate LMO intake from dietary data obtained using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The fecal microbiota was determined via 16S rRNA gene-based analyses, and SCFAs were quantified by gas chromatography. The intake of LMO increased with age from 6.69 log CFU/day at 0.5 and 3 months to 10.33 CFU/day at 48 months. Human milk was the main source of LMOs during the first 6 months of life, being milk and dairy products the main contributors later on. We observed significant associations between the fecal microbiota and metabolites and the intake of LMO at the different age periods analyzed. For instance, at 0.5 months of age, the intake of LMO was positively associated with the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and negatively with Enterococcaceae and propionic acid, at 3 months it was negatively associated with SCFAs and BCFAs, and at 6 months with butyric acid, whereas at 48 months the consumption of LMO was positively associated with Coriobacteriaceae . In conclusion, these findings suggest that LMO intake evolves with age and dietary sources, and is linked to specific changes in the GM in infants. • A tool was developed to enable quantification of microbial intake during infancy. • Human milk and dairy products were key sources of live microorganisms in childhood. • The intake of live microorganisms demonstrates an age-dependent increase. • Live microorganisms consumption linked with gut microbiota composition in children.

Source: Food Research International

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117717

Authors: Eva Gomez Perez, Alejandra Rey Mariño, Silvia Arboleya, Sonia González, Miguel Gueimonde

Institutions: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias

Language: English

Topic: Gut microbiota and health

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,320