Keywords
Microbiota
Dysbiosis
Synbiotics
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction. Human milk (HM) is the ideal food for infants. In the short term it reduces respiratory infections and otitis media, and in the long term it improves cognitive development and reduces the risk of metabolic diseases such as obesity. HM is also critical for the development of the newborn’s microbiota. While a balanced microbiota is associated with better health outcomes, the presence of dysbiosis is associated with the development of chronic disease and immune dysfunction.
Development. Two fundamental components of HM are its own microbiota and oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs vary in quantity and composition throughout lactation, and among their many functions, their role as prebiotics stands out. Depending on the ability of bacteria to metabolise HMOs, they selectively induce the development of specific bacterial species, among which Bifidobacterium infantis stands out. HM could be considered a synbiotic, as it provides both HMOs and B. infantis. Both components have beneficial effects individually, but they also have synergistic effects.
Conclusions. HM is the best food an infant can receive due to its multiple benefits, some of which are based on its effect on the infant’s gut microbiota. The presence of HMOs and the HM microbiota itself, with bacteria such as B. infantis, are critical in achieving these benefits.
References
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