Page 69 - Petelin Ana. Ur. 2022. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of children and adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 69
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-167-4.69-77
Nutrition for healthy term infants
and the role of gut microbiota
Katja Kramberger, Katja Bezek
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
katja.kramberger@fvz.upr.si; katja.bezek@fvz.upr.si
Abstract
Introduction: Nutrition in the first year of life plays an important role
in the child’s development, directly through the intake of nutrients, as
well as indirectly by influencing the composition of the gut microbiota.
Improper diet already at the very beginning can significantly affect
the onset of metabolic and other chronic diseases in children and
adolescents. Moreover, this period is crucial also for the development
of taste and eating habits. Methods: A narrative review of the literature
in the world databases and currently valid guidelines in the Republic
of Slovenia was made. The analysis included studies examining the
impact of diet and gut microbiota on health in the first years of life.
Results: The presence of microorganisms in the placenta and meconium
indicates the first contact of the digestive tract with the microbiota
already during pregnancy. Extensive colonization occurs during birth
and in the first months of life, while the development and maturation of
the microbiota is strongly influenced by the factors such as gestational
age, mode of delivery, diet, environment, and antibiotic treatment.
The composition of the gut microbiota in the first year of life is very
uniform and individually specific and develops toward an adult-like
structure between the age of three and five. Among the important
factors influencing the composition of the gut microbiota is also
the introduction of complementary foods (CFs). Current guidelines
recommend that CFs should be introduced gradually after the age of six
months. The introduction of CFs before the age of 17 weeks can lead to
obesity, respiratory disorders and eczema in later childhood. With the
later introduction of CFs (five to seven months), there is a risk that the
energy value of nutrients in breast milk or infant formula is no longer
sufficient for the baby’s rapid development. Discussion and conclusion:
Diet and its indirect influence on the composition and abundance of
the gut microbiota are one of the most important factors influencing
Nutrition for healthy term infants
and the role of gut microbiota
Katja Kramberger, Katja Bezek
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
katja.kramberger@fvz.upr.si; katja.bezek@fvz.upr.si
Abstract
Introduction: Nutrition in the first year of life plays an important role
in the child’s development, directly through the intake of nutrients, as
well as indirectly by influencing the composition of the gut microbiota.
Improper diet already at the very beginning can significantly affect
the onset of metabolic and other chronic diseases in children and
adolescents. Moreover, this period is crucial also for the development
of taste and eating habits. Methods: A narrative review of the literature
in the world databases and currently valid guidelines in the Republic
of Slovenia was made. The analysis included studies examining the
impact of diet and gut microbiota on health in the first years of life.
Results: The presence of microorganisms in the placenta and meconium
indicates the first contact of the digestive tract with the microbiota
already during pregnancy. Extensive colonization occurs during birth
and in the first months of life, while the development and maturation of
the microbiota is strongly influenced by the factors such as gestational
age, mode of delivery, diet, environment, and antibiotic treatment.
The composition of the gut microbiota in the first year of life is very
uniform and individually specific and develops toward an adult-like
structure between the age of three and five. Among the important
factors influencing the composition of the gut microbiota is also
the introduction of complementary foods (CFs). Current guidelines
recommend that CFs should be introduced gradually after the age of six
months. The introduction of CFs before the age of 17 weeks can lead to
obesity, respiratory disorders and eczema in later childhood. With the
later introduction of CFs (five to seven months), there is a risk that the
energy value of nutrients in breast milk or infant formula is no longer
sufficient for the baby’s rapid development. Discussion and conclusion:
Diet and its indirect influence on the composition and abundance of
the gut microbiota are one of the most important factors influencing
