Types of bacteria that live in the intestines babies are very determined whether they were given breast milk or formula milk. A new study indicates differences in the bacteria can affect the baby's immune system.
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| Breast feeding. (Picture from: http://www.sott.net/) |
"These findings suggest that breast milk is beneficial to encourage the development of microbial populations in the gut, baby," said Sharon Donova, researchers from the University of Illinois, the United States. "It also helps us determine why breast milk is best."
Research published in the journal Genome Biology that describes, types of bacteria in the gut activate certain genes in the immune system. There is also strong evidence that it had an important influence on the development of the immune system.
"This is the first study that highlights the interaction between microbes and early childhood development and how that interaction is influenced by diet," says Mihai Pop, researchers at the University of Maryland, commented on the findings.
In the study, the scientists compared gene expression in intestinal cells 3-month-old infants who were exclusively breastfed babies fed with formula milk, and diet relationship with gut microbes.
Gene expression profiles were then compared with the infant gut microbial genes. The analysis gives an overview of what living bacteria in the gut and what is its function.
The study showed that only breast-fed infants have a more diverse bacterial colonization. Researchers also found a link between bacterial gene expression and immune system genes.
"When we found that breast-fed babies microbiome is enriched by the genes associated with virulence, including resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds, we also found a correlation between pathogenicity and host gene expression related to immune and defense mechanisms," said Robert Chapkin, researchers study from Texas A & M University. *** [LIVESCIENCE | TJANDRA | KORAN TEMPO 3890]
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