About this Research Topic
Human gut is colonized by billions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively referred to as gut microbiome or microbiota. The process of gut colonization begins perinatally and over the next 2-3 years microbiota evolves to its complex adult state. Accumulating evidence shows that the microbiome plays a crucial role in the long-term health of the individual. The establishment of microbiota in early life is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Among the most important factors that impact the microbiota composition and function is neonatal and infant nutrition. Significant differences in the gut microbiota have been exhibited between breastfed and formula-fed infants. Breastfeeding shapes the microbiome composition, diversity, and metabolism. Human milk contains rich microbiota, prebiotic, immunological and other compounds that affect the microbiome patterns. Breastmilk microbiota varies between individuals and evolves throughout the lactation period.
Maternal microorganisms and bioactive molecules are transferred through breastmilk from the mother to the infant and modify the infant gut microbiota, with short-term and long-term health consequences. An imbalance between pathogenic and beneficial microbes may lead to inflammation, modification of immunologic response, intolerance, and immune-related chronic diseases. The establishment of a “healthy” microbiota emerges as a promising tool in decreasing disease burden. Ongoing research focuses on the determination of the optimal microbiota composition and function, possible interventions for shaping a “healthy” microbiota, the role of breastfeeding, the potential for modifying breastmilk bioactive components, and specifics of microbiota impact on disease prevalence.
The current Research Topic aims to highlight these issues and promote relevant scientific research and discussion. Original articles and reviews are welcome on the following topics:
1. Breastfeeding components and related changes in infant microbiota
2. Modification of breastmilk factors involved in shaping infant microbiota
3. Modification of maternal or early environmental factors involved in shaping infant microbiota
4. Health consequences of infant microbiota modification through breastfeeding
Maternal microorganisms and bioactive molecules are transferred through breastmilk from the mother to the infant and modify the infant gut microbiota, with short-term and long-term health consequences. An imbalance between pathogenic and beneficial microbes may lead to inflammation, modification of immunologic response, intolerance, and immune-related chronic diseases. The establishment of a “healthy” microbiota emerges as a promising tool in decreasing disease burden. Ongoing research focuses on the determination of the optimal microbiota composition and function, possible interventions for shaping a “healthy” microbiota, the role of breastfeeding, the potential for modifying breastmilk bioactive components, and specifics of microbiota impact on disease prevalence.
The current Research Topic aims to highlight these issues and promote relevant scientific research and discussion. Original articles and reviews are welcome on the following topics:
1. Breastfeeding components and related changes in infant microbiota
2. Modification of breastmilk factors involved in shaping infant microbiota
3. Modification of maternal or early environmental factors involved in shaping infant microbiota
4. Health consequences of infant microbiota modification through breastfeeding
Keywords: infant gut microbiota, microbiome, breastfeeding, neonatal gut colonization
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