About this Research Topic
Maternal microorganisms and bioactive molecules are transferred through breastmilk from the mother to the infant and modify the infant gut microbiota, with short-term and long-term health consequences. An imbalance between pathogenic and beneficial microbes may lead to inflammation, modification of immunologic response, intolerance, and immune-related chronic diseases. The establishment of a “healthy” microbiota emerges as a promising tool in decreasing disease burden. Ongoing research focuses on the determination of the optimal microbiota composition and function, possible interventions for shaping a “healthy” microbiota, the role of breastfeeding, the potential for modifying breastmilk bioactive components, and specifics of microbiota impact on disease prevalence.
The current Research Topic aims to highlight these issues and promote relevant scientific research and discussion. Original articles and reviews are welcome on the following topics:
1. Breastfeeding components and related changes in infant microbiota
2. Modification of breastmilk factors involved in shaping infant microbiota
3. Modification of maternal or early environmental factors involved in shaping infant microbiota
4. Health consequences of infant microbiota modification through breastfeeding
Keywords: infant gut microbiota, microbiome, breastfeeding, neonatal gut colonization
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.