The infant gut microbiota is a dynamic ecosystem that significantly influences immune development, nutrient metabolism, and overall health.  Disruptions in this system, such as those caused by antibiotics or cesarean delivery, may be counteracted through targeted nutritional interventions using prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics.  Prebiotics are nondigestible dietary fibers that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial…

The human gut microbiota begins forming at birth and continues evolving through early childhood. This microbial community plays a critical role in digestion, immunity, and metabolic processes.   However, early-life exposure to antibiotics, particularly during the neonatal period, can significantly disrupt this delicate microbial balance, leading to long-lasting health consequences.  Antibiotic administration during infancy, especially in…

The establishment of the gut microbiota during infancy is one of the most critical processes influencing human health across the lifespan.   Early microbial colonization is deeply intertwined with immune system development, shaping immune tolerance, pathogen resistance, and metabolic processes.   The type of birth, feeding method, environmental exposures, and antibiotic use all play pivotal roles in…

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are powerful bioactive molecules that play a critical role in infant health, from gut microbiota development to immune protection. As the fourth most abundant component in human milk, after lactose, lipids, and proteins, HMOs provide essential benefits that cannot be replicated by standard infant formula (Bode, 2012). HMOs are not static;…

The infant gut microbiota plays a crucial role in shaping the immune system, influencing how the body responds to infections, allergies, and chronic diseases later in life. From birth, an infant’s microbiome begins developing, influenced by factors such as mode of delivery, type of feeding, antibiotic exposure, and maternal health. These factors determine whether the…

As scientific understanding of infant nutrition deepens, infant formula is evolving to more closely resemble human breast milk. The future of infant formula includes bioactive ingredients, genetically engineered components, and advanced prebiotics and probiotics, aiming to improve digestive health, immune function, and cognitive development. Although infant formula provides essential nutrients, it lacks many bioactive compounds…

The type of feeding during an infant’s first months is a major determinant of gut microbiota composition, shaping immune function, digestion, and even long-term health outcomes.   The microbiome established in early life can influence the risk of conditions such as allergies, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.   While breastfeeding is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition,…

Science doesn’t just look forward – it also looks back. Archaeological studies analyzing ancient human remains, such as coprolites (fossilized feces) and mummified specimens, provide fascinating insights into how the gut microbiome has evolved over time. While these analyses are complicated by factors such as DNA fragmentation and contamination, they offer a glimpse into the…

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that evolves significantly over a person’s lifetime. From infancy to old age, this microbial community undergoes remarkable changes influenced by diet, environment, hormonal fluctuations, and immune system activity. Understanding how the microbiota changes with age is crucial for developing strategies to support lifelong health. The…

Melatonin, best known as the “sleep hormone,” is critical for regulating circadian rhythms. Yet, recent research has revealed an unexpected but fascinating role of melatonin in maintaining gut microbiota balance and protecting neurological health. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system linking the gut and the central nervous system, is at the heart of this…