Abstract
Human milk (HM) is considered the most complete food for infants as its nutritional composition is specifically designed to meet infant nutritional requirements during early life. HM also provides numerous biologically active components, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, milk fat globules, IgA, gangliosides or polyamines, among others; in addition, HM has a “bifidogenic effect”, a prebiotic effect, as a result of the low concentration of proteins and phosphates, as well as the presence of lactoferrin, lactose, nucleotides and oligosaccharides. Recently, has been a growing interest in HM as a potential source of probiotics and commensal bacteria to the infant gut, which might, in turn, influence both the gut colonization and maturation of infant immune system. Our review aims to address practical approaches to the detection of microbial communities in human breast milk samples, delving into their origin, composition and functions. Furthermore, we will summarize the current knowledge of how HM microbiota dysbiosis acts as a short- and long-term predictor of maternal and infant health. Finally, we also provide a critical view of the role of breast milk-related bacteria as a novel probiotic strategy in the prevention and treatment of maternal and offspring diseases.
Highlights
Human milk (HM) represents the gold standard, providing protective and functional nutrients for the newborn, ensuring healthy growth and development [1,2]
Unlike its traditional consideration as a sterile fluid, HM is recognized as an interesting source of potentially probiotic and commensal bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Clostridiales spp., viral organisms, among others, which may lead to healthy infant gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and immune system maturation [9,10,11]
As human microbiota is essential for optimal host physiology, there is currently great interest in better understanding how HM microbiota dysbiosis could be related to the development of non-communicable diseases in both mother and child [14]
Summary
Human milk (HM) represents the gold standard, providing protective and functional nutrients for the newborn, ensuring healthy growth and development [1,2]. It is necessary to point out that exclusively breastfed infants present a particular risk of vitamin D deficiency, due to its low concentration in breast milk [5], low maternal vitamin D levels and daily intake, as well as the lack of exposure of newborns and suckling infants to sunlight [6]. Associations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and ESPGHAN recommend vitamin D supplementation at doses of 400 IU/day in infants who are exclusively or partially breastfed [7,8]. This review aims to summarize and evaluate the current knowledge of HM microbiota, highlighting avenues for future research and potential therapeutic implications for both maternal and child health
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