21 - Soluble and insoluble fibre in infant nutrition

Abstract

Dietary fibre recommendations currently exclude infants of less than 1 year. Dietary fibre intake studies have previously excluded non-digestible carbohydrates from human milk and the prebiotics used to replace them in infant formulas, and have focused on plant fibres deriving from weaning foods. However, they can be fermented by intestinal microbiota, contribute to changes in intestinal microbiota, and influence stool consistency. The intestinal microbiota interact with different cells in the intestine, and contribute to postnatal development and the immune system. Direct interactions with glycan structures on the cellular surface of the intestine have also been observed, and there is increasing evidence that these interactions have long-lasting effects. Thus, non-digestible carbohydrates could offer protection against immune-mediated diseases and metabolic disturbances later in life.