Targeted Development of Infant Microbiota on Formula Feeding: Modern Options

The review provides the analysis of recent publications covering the biological significance of infant microbiome and showing modern research technologies. Correlations of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of intestinal microbiota with delayed health issues were evaluated. Various concepts of newborn microbiome origin, timing, and stages of bacterial colonization of gastrointestinal tract were considered. Data on the role of delivery method on infant microbiota development is presented (including the significance of contamination with maternal vaginal flora where ontogenetic priority belongs to lactobacilli). It was revealed that Lactobacillus fermentum was the basis microflora providing the conditions for the subsequent successful colonization of the child’s intestines with obligate symbionts. The significance of breastfeeding in adequate microbiota development was confirmed. In case of mandatory formula feeding, it is necessary to enrich infant milk formulas with components that promote the selection of symbiotic microflora such as: long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, prebiotics, oligosaccharides, and probiotics of specific action. The innovative formula based on synbiotic/combiotic concept will be able to partially compensate impaired microbiota development in infant on mandatory formula feeding.

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