Probiotics in infant nutrition – Focus on B lactis

In formula-fed, vaginally born infants, B lactis supplementation induced a colonisation rate of bifidobacteria close to that observed in breastfed infants at day 31.[2] Similarly, in breastfed C-section born infants, B lactis supplementation led to a healthier gut microbiota, with increased the cell counts of bifidobacteria, and reduced the cell counts of pathogenic enterobacteria and clostridia.[3],[4]

B lactis supplementation has also been demonstrated to significantly enhance faecal anti-poliovirus-specific IgA and anti-rotavirus-specific IgA secretion following immunisation, suggesting enhanced immune response in B lactis-supplemented infants.[5]

Studies are ongoing to explore the potential of combining the probiotic B lactis with the human milk oligosaccharide 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) – a bioactive component naturally found in breast milk – in a 100% whey, partially hydrolysed infant formula. Current data suggest that partially hydrolysed infant formula with 2'FL and B lactis is tolerated well, with measures of stooling, vomiting, spit-up, crying, and fussing comparable to that seen with the same formula without 2'FL.[6] Data also suggest that 2’FL may be associated with a lower rate of infection, specifically lower respiratory infections; further studies with focus on infection are warranted to confirm these observations.[7]

In summary, the gut microbiota plays an important role in immune development during infancy; breastfeeding must be promoted to support the establishment of a healthy gut microbiota. In cases where breastfeeding is not possible, an infant formula with HMOs and probiotics may help positively influence the gut microbiota. Not all probiotics are the same; amongst the many probiotics, B lactis is one of the more well-researched strains that has been shown to confer clinically relevant benefits.[8]

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References

[1] Saavedra JM, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Feb;79(2):261-7.

[2] Langhendries JP, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1995 Aug;21(2):177-81.

[3] Mohan R, et al. J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Nov;44(11):4025-31.

[4] Yuniaty T, et al. Paediatr Indones 2013; 53:89-98.

[5] Holscher HD, et al. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012 Jan;36(1 Suppl):106S-17S.

[6] Storm HM, et al. Glob Pediatr Health. 2019 Mar 15;6:2333794X19833995.

[7] Sprenger N, et al. Nestle Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2019;90:43-56.

[8] Thomas DW, et al. Pediatrics. 2010 Dec;126(6):1217-31.