Preterm Infant Fecal Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles Are Modulated in a Probiotic Specific Manner

Objectives: To compare the impact of two probiotic supplements on fecal microbiota and metabolites, as well as on gut inflammation in human milk-fed preterm infants. Methods: In this single-center observational cohort study, we assessed the effects of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis or Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation on the infant gut microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal metabolome by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fecal calprotectin was measured as a marker of enteric inflammation. Aliquots of human or donor milk provided to each infant were also assessed to determine human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) content. Results: As expected, each probiotic treatment was associated with increased proportions of the respective bacterial taxon. Fecal HMOs were significantly higher in L. reuteri fed babies despite similar HMO content in the milk consumed. Fecal metabolites associated with bifidobacteria fermentation products were significantly increased in B. infantis supplemented infants. Fecal calprotectin was lower in infants receiving B. infantis relative to L. reuteri (P
Source: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original Articles: Nutrition Source Type: research