Influence of Breastfeeding on Microbiota and Its Health Benefits

It is already scientifically proven that there are links between specific microbiota composition in early life and the possible development of specific diseases in later life. In this presentation, Maria Carmen Collado takes a close look at the maternal microbiota factors influencing child health outcomes. 

She specifically looks at accumulating evidence that the fetus does not reside in a sterile environment: we now know that the placenta, amniotic fluid, cord blood, fetal membrane, colostrum and meconium all harbor a bacterial community, based on the pre-pregnancy diet and lifestyle of the mother.  Researchers have an opportunity to identify ways to improve nutrition in pregnancy and early life. 

We need to increase our understanding of the role of maternal bacteria in infant microbiota as it will help develop new dietary strategies based on microbial modulation, aimed at the beneficial microbiological, immunological and metabolic programming of child health.