Complementary feeding in infants with cystic fibrosis: In vitro nutrient digestibility and impact on colonic microbiota

Abstract

The aim was assessing macronutrient digestibility of common purees in the context of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) starting complementary feeding. A static in vitro digestion model was set up reproducing the conditions of infants with CF and healthy controls. Egg, chicken, infant formula and infant cereal were subjected to digestion individually and in combination with other ingredients. The resulting digesta was subjected to colonic fermentation with the faecal inoculum of an exclusively breast-fed infant with CF. Results showed overall low proteolysis and lipolysis, with positive interaction between egg and chicken with potato, vegetables, and olive oil. Contrarily, the combination of infant cereals and formula had a negative interaction. Notably, the dose of pancreatic enzymes had no effect on lipolysis. Purees rather than in individual foods impacted colonic microbiota, by reducing Bifidobacterium while increasing Veillonella. This study could guide future dietary recommendations for complementary feeding in infants with CF.