Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Infant formula containing
prebiotic GOS/FOS
Oligosaccharides
Traditional Infant formula
Replicates many effects of human
milk oligosaccharides
Contains little or no non-digestible
oligosaccharides
Stimulates
Bifidobacterium
spp.-
dominated microbiota and breast-fed
infant-like species composition
of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli
Stimulates the development of a
mixed, more adult-like microbiota
with higher numbers of potentially
pathogenic microorganisms
Breast-fed infant-like
SCFA profile in stools
Adult-like
SCFA profile in stools
Breast-fed infant-like
stool pH, consistency and frequency
More adult-like stool pH, consistency
and frequency
Figure 5.10.
The inclusion of a prebiotic mixture of 9:1 galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) to
fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) mimics many of the effects of human milk oligosaccharides
(HMOs) on the composition and activity of the human infant intestinal microbiota. In contrast,
traditional infant formulae containing no oligosaccharides drive a more adult-like microbiota and
stool composition.
Ziegler et al., 2007). Finally, the oligosaccharide-supplemented formula
showed a positive effect on the level of protective secretory IgA in the gut,
increasing concentrations in comparison to standard formula (Bakker-Zier-
ikzee et al., 2005). These studies demonstrate that formulae supplemented
with the GOSs:FOSs can mimic many of the physiological impacts of HMOs.
Now the challenge remains to establish if these translate into benefits for
clinical end-points such as incidence of infections or the prevalence of allergy.
5.9.4.2.
Impacts on the Microbiota Composition in Adults
Following weaning, the composition of the colonic microbiota
becomes increasingly complex. In adulthood, the microbiota consists of
more than 500 different species, although it is dominated by 30-40, and its
composition
becomes
quite
stable
(McCartney
and
Gibson,
2006).
