How first foods shape microbiota

Dietary fibers serve as prebiotics and contribute to gut health as it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids that contribute to the child’s immunity. Human milk is the best first food, and plays a critical role in infant gut microbiota development by nourishing the beneficial bacteria and providing protection against pathogens. But as the shift to complementary feeding happens to support the infant’s changing nutritional requirements, microbial diversity also increases to accommodate the new substrates from the solids being given. Dietary fibers allow for a more mature gut microbiome, and the introduction of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other fiber-rich foods is essential for the development of a diverse gut microbiota.