Regulation of Gut Microbiota through Breast Milk Feeding Benefits Language and Cognitive Development of Preterm Toddlers

Guo, S; Huang, K; Liu, R; Sun, J; Yin, C

Regulation of Gut Microbiota through Breast Milk Feeding Benefits Language and Cognitive Development of Preterm Toddlers

Guo, S Huang, K Liu, R Sun, J

Yin, C

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Publisher:: MDPI
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Microorganisms, 11, (4), pp. 866

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Guo, S
dc.contributor.author	Huang, K
dc.contributor.author	Liu, R
dc.contributor.author	Sun, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0097-2438
dc.contributor.author	Yin, C
dc.date.accessioned	2023-04-07T12:18:54Z
dc.date.available	2023-04-07T12:18:54Z
dc.identifier.citation	Microorganisms, 11, (4), pp. 866
dc.identifier.issn	2076-2607
dc.identifier.issn	2076-2607
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/169388
dc.description.abstract	<jats:p>Feeding practice is essential to growth and development of preterm toddlers. However, the relationship of feeding mode with gut microbiota and neurodevelopment outcomes of preterm toddlers has not been characterized fully. We conducted this cohort study to assess neurodevelopment outcomes and gut microbiota community structures of preterm toddlers who received either breast milk, formula or mixed feeding. Fifty-five preterm toddlers born <37 weeks and 24 term toddlers were recruited in the study. Bayley III mental and physical index scores were measured among preterm toddlers at 12 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 months corrected age (CA). Gut microbiome composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from all participants at 12 months, 16 months and 20 months after birth. We found exclusive breast milk feeding for over three months in the first six months after birth was associated with significant increase in language composite score at 12 months CA (86 (79,97) vs. 77 (71.75,79), p = 0.008) and both language (106.05 ± 14.68 vs. 90.58 ± 12.25, p = 0.000) and cognitive composite score at 18 months CA (107.17 ± 10.85 vs. 99.00 ± 9.24, p = 0.007). The alpha diversity, beta diversity and composition of gut microbiota from those breastfed preterm toddlers not only resembled healthy term toddlers but also followed similar structure of preterm toddlers with enhanced language and cognitive performance. Our results suggest exclusive breast milk feeding for over three months in preterm toddlers leads to optimal cognitive and language development and well-balanced microbiota.</jats:p>
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	MDPI
dc.relation.ispartof	Microorganisms
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.3390/microorganisms11040866
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Regulation of Gut Microbiota through Breast Milk Feeding Benefits Language and Cognitive Development of Preterm Toddlers
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	11
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Computer Science
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2023-04-07T12:18:51Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published online
pubs.volume	11
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

Feeding practice is essential to growth and development of preterm toddlers. However, the relationship of feeding mode with gut microbiota and neurodevelopment outcomes of preterm toddlers has not been characterized fully. We conducted this cohort study to assess neurodevelopment outcomes and gut microbiota community structures of preterm toddlers who received either breast milk, formula or mixed feeding. Fifty-five preterm toddlers born <37 weeks and 24 term toddlers were recruited in the study. Bayley III mental and physical index scores were measured among preterm toddlers at 12 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 months corrected age (CA). Gut microbiome composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from all participants at 12 months, 16 months and 20 months after birth. We found exclusive breast milk feeding for over three months in the first six months after birth was associated with significant increase in language composite score at 12 months CA (86 (79,97) vs. 77 (71.75,79), p = 0.008) and both language (106.05 ± 14.68 vs. 90.58 ± 12.25, p = 0.000) and cognitive composite score at 18 months CA (107.17 ± 10.85 vs. 99.00 ± 9.24, p = 0.007). The alpha diversity, beta diversity and composition of gut microbiota from those breastfed preterm toddlers not only resembled healthy term toddlers but also followed similar structure of preterm toddlers with enhanced language and cognitive performance. Our results suggest exclusive breast milk feeding for over three months in preterm toddlers leads to optimal cognitive and language development and well-balanced microbiota.

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