David J Kyle
Evolve Biosystems, USA
Title: From dysbiosis to recovery in the infant gut microbiome: A new paradigm in infant nutrition
Biography
Biography: David J Kyle
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Human milk has been the sole source of nutrition for infants for millions of years, and is rich in specific oligosaccharides (HMOs). The natural infant gut microbiome is dominated by a single species of bifidobacteria that is exceptionally competitive at consuming HMOs. Through the unintended consequences of formula feeding, antibiotic use, and C-section deliveries, this natural microbiome has been radically altered such that over 90% of newborn babies in the US today are dysbiosis. The purpose of this work is to develop a solution to rescue the natural microbiome from the dysbiosis through an early remodeling that returns the colonic microenvironment to its natural state.
Methodology: A randomized parallel controlled prospective clinical study (n=68) was undertaken in five sights in Davis CA, USA with healthy, term, breast-fed infants enrolled on day four of life. Half of the cohort was supplemented daily for 21 days with activated Bifidobacteria infantis, and half provided the routine standard of care.
Findings: All supplemented babies, regardless of mode of delivery, had a microbiome dominated to over 80% with B. infantis whereas the un-supplemented babies were devoid of B. infantis and 21 of 34 infants had no bifidobacteria at all. Differences in stool maturity, pH, microbial and chemical differences were also noted.
Conclusion & Significance: The natural hi-bif microbiome has been lost over the past 50-80 years in developed countries. The resulting dysbiosis may have a significant impact on the programmed development of the immune system and establishment of metabolic set points. We have shown that this dysbiosis can be corrected and the microenvironment reestablished by supplementation with activated B. infantis.
