Summary:
The first microbes that colonise a newborn’s body are shaped by how the baby is born, what they’re fed, and their early environment. Babies delivered vaginally and breastfed receive beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which support healthy immune and gut development. In contrast, babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics early on often have delayed or reduced microbial diversity. Formula feeding also leads to different bacterial patterns compared to breastfeeding, although formulas enriched with prebiotics and probiotics can support the gut microbiome to be more similar to that of breastfed infants. Preterm babies are especially vulnerable because their gut microbiome develops more slowly. This immaturity increases the risk of conditions like necrotising enterocolitis and infections. Probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have shown benefits in helping these infants build stronger gut barriers and reducing the risk of severe illness and death. An unbalanced early microbiome has been linked to long-term health issues such as allergies, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions are thought to arise from disrupted immune training and changes in the production of beneficial microbial compounds. Maternal factors including diet, antibiotic use, and stress also influence a baby’s microbial development, but breastfeeding can offset some of these effects, even after caesarean birth. To support a healthy microbiome, strategies like promoting breastfeeding, using antibiotics only when necessary, and supplementing with prebiotics or probiotics show promise. Experimental techniques such transfering vaginal bacteria to babies born by caesarean, have shown some early benefits but remain unproven. Overall, protecting and supporting microbial balance in the perinatal period is crucial for laying the foundation for lifelong health.
Abstract:
This narrative review describes the settlement of the neonatal microbiome during the perinatal period and its importance on human health in the long term. Delivery methods, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, feeding practices, and early infant contact significantly shape microbial colonization, influencing the infant’s immune system, metabolism, and neurodevelopment. By summarizing two decades of research, this review highlights the microbiome’s role in disease predisposition and explores interventions like maternal vaginal seeding and probiotic and prebiotic supplementation that may influence microbiome development. Conclusion: The perinatal period is a pivotal phase for the formation and growth of the neonatal microbiome, profoundly impacting long-term health outcomes.
Article Publication Date: 30/10/2024
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05795-x
