The impact of prebiotics and probiotics on the infant gut microbiome

The Impact of Prebiotics and Probiotics on the Infant Gut Microbiome

The composition of the infant gut microbiome has profound effects on immune development and may potentially implications for childhood health. Breastfeeding sets the standard for optimal infant nutrition and contains human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which nurture a beneficial gut microbiome. However, for infants who are formula-fed or receive mixed feeding, the addition of HMOs and probiotics to formulas offers an exciting potential to support a more breastfeeding-like microbiome development. This session explores cutting-edge research on how these ingredients influence the infant gut, providing insights for parents, healthcare professionals, and researchers alike.
Join us to delve into the latest metagenomic findings on prebiotics and probiotics, where we’ll evaluate their individual and combined effects on gut microbiome development in infants.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the unique microbiome composition fostered by breastfeeding and how it benefits infant health.

• Explore the role of HMOs as prebiotics and why they’re now a staple in many infant formulas.

• Discover how probiotics can complement or alter the infant gut microbiome, especially in formula-fed infants.

• Learn about recent advancements in metagenomic analysis, providing detailed insights into microbiome shifts in response to diet.

• Gain actionable insights for improving infant nutrition and supporting long-term health.

Agenda and Additional Information

This session will provide a detailed look into the latest research on infant microbiome modulation through dietary components such as HMOs and probiotics. Key areas of focus will include:

1. Introduction to Infant Gut Health

2. An overview of how the microbiome develops in infancy and its critical role in health.

3. The Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)

4. Insights into why HMOs are a unique and essential component of breast milk, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

5. Probiotics in Infant Nutrition

6. Examination of how probiotics are formulated for infants, their impact on gut microbiome diversity, and potential health benefits.

7. Combining Prebiotics and Probiotics in Formula

8. Discussion on the synergistic effects of HMOs and probiotics, especially in formula-fed infants, with a focus on improving gut health outcomes.

9. Data Insights from Metagenomic Sequencing

10. Presentation of the latest data from multiple studies comparing the microbiomes of breastfed and formula-fed infants.

Our speaker, Pernille Neve Myers, an expert data scientist in microbiome research, will guide attendees through the science behind these findings and provide practical takeaways.

Speaker:

Pernille Neve Myers - Data Scientist