Microbial therapeutics designed for infant health

cb
Thumbnail Image
Files
3975.pdf(476.39 KB)
Published Version
Date
2017-10-26
Authors
Watkins, Claire
Stanton,Catherine
Ryan, Anthony C.
Ross, R. Paul
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Published Version
10.3389/fnut.2017.00048
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Acknowledgment of the gut microbiome as a vital asset to health has led to multiple studies attempting to elucidate its mechanisms of action. During the first year of life, many factors can cause fluctuation in the developing gut microbiome. Host genetics, maternal health status, mode of delivery, gestational age, feeding regime, and perinatal antibiotic usage, are known factors which can influence the development of the infant gut microbiome. Thus, the microbiome of vaginally born, exclusively breastfed infants at term, with no previous exposure to antibiotics, either directly or indirectly from the mother, is to be considered the “gold standard.” Moreover, the use of prebiotics as an aid for the development of a healthy gut microbiome is equally as important in maintaining gut homeostasis. Breastmilk, a natural prebiotic source, provides optimal active ingredients for the growth of beneficial microbial species. However, early life disorders such as necrotising enterocolitis, childhood obesity, and even autism have been associated with an altered/disturbed gut microbiome. Subsequently, microbial therapies have been introduced, in addition to suitable prebiotic ingredients, which when administered, may aid in the prevention of a microbial disturbance in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this mini-review is to highlight the beneficial effects of different probiotic and prebiotic treatments in early life, with particular emphasis on the different conditions which negatively impact microbial colonisation at birth.
Description
Keywords
Probiotics , Prebiotics , Gut microbiota , Infant , Health
Citation
Watkins, C., Stanton, C., Ryan, C. A. and Ross, R. P. (2017) 'Microbial therapeutics designed for infant health', Frontiers in Nutrition, 4, 48 (8pp). doi: 10.3389/fnut.2017.00048
Link to publisher’s version
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2017.00048/full
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10468/5152
Collections
APC Microbiome Ireland - Journal Articles
Microbiology - Journal Articles
Copyright
© 2017, Watkins, Stanton, Ryan and Ross. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.