Diet at birth is critical for healthy growth, independent of effects on the gut microbiota.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colostrum is the first milk for a newborn. Its high content in microbiota shaping compounds and its intake at the time of gut microbiota seeding suggests colostrum may be critical in the establishment of a healthy microbiota. There is also accumulating evidence on the importance of the gut microbiota for healthy growth. Here, we aimed to investigate the contribution of colostrum, and colostrum-induced microbiota to growth promotion. Addressing this question is highly significant because (1) globally, less than half of the newborns are fully colostrum fed (2) the evidence for the importance of the microbiota for the prevention of undernutrition has only been demonstrated in juvenile or adult pre-clinical models while stunting already starts before weaning.

Results

SUBMITTER: van den Elsen LJW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11282663 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature