Comparative Effect of Breast Milk and Infant Formulae on Neonatal Gut Microbiome within Katsina Metropolis

Study’s Novelty/ Excerpt This study explored the impact of breast milk versus infant formula on the gut microbiota of neonates in Katsina metropolis, revealing significant differences in bacterial composition and fecal pH between the two groups. Exclusively breastfed infants exhibited a lower fecal pH (5.09±0.1) and higher weights, with similar levels of Escherichia spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., while formula-fed infants showed a higher fecal pH (5.9±0.1) and differences in Escherichia spp. loads. Despite advances in infant formula enrichment, the study underscores the distinct influence of breast milk on neonatal gut microbiota composition and health. Full Abstract Numerous studies conducted in recent years have highlighted the intricate nature of the neonatal gut microbiome, influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One significant factor in this regard is the type of feeding, which has a substantial impact on the development of intestinal microbiota in early infancy. This study aimed to compare the effects of breast milk and infant formulae on the gut microbiota of newborns in Katsina metropolis. Faecal samples were obtained from 46 neonates (33 exclusively breastfed, 10 formula-fed, and 3 mix-fed) and analyzed using a culture-dependent method. Colony enumerations and pH measurements were conducted for comparison between the groups. The mean weight of the participants was 2.88±0.1 kg, with exclusively breastfed infants (BFI) weighing significantly more (p = 0.03) than formula-fed infants (FFI). The bacteria selected for analysis (Bifidobacterium spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia spp., and Lactobacillus spp.) were present in all feeding groups. Among BFI, similar levels of Escherichia spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (61.17 CFU/g and 61.38 CFU/g respectively) were observed. Staphylococcus spp. constituted the majority of the bacterial load (32%) in both BFI and FFI groups. Apart from Escherichia spp. (p = 0.01), no significant differences were noted in the levels of all cultured bacteria across the feeding groups. The disparity in Escherichia spp. load was evident between BFI and MFI (p = 0.01), as well as FFI and MFI (p = 0.02) only. There was no overall significant correlation between bacterial load and mode of delivery within the feeding groups (p = 0.6). The average faecal pH of breastfed infants (5.09±01) was significantly lower (p = <0.001) compared to the formula-fed group (5.9±0.1). Despite advancements in enriching infant formulae with probiotics and other bifidogenic substances, subtle differences in fecal bacterial load compared to breast milk persist, highlighting the significant influence of both feeding methods on the composition and functionality of the neonatal gut microbiome