Bifidobacterium Supplementation of Colostrum and Breast Milk Enhances Weight Gain and Metabolic Responses Associated with Microbiota Establishment in Very-Preterm Infants

Background: Postnatal growth restriction in very-preterm infants (VPIs) may have long-lasting effects. Recent evidence suggests that developmental problems in VPIs are related to abnormalities in intestinal microbial communities. Objective: To investigate the effect on growth outcomes in VPIs of supplementation with Bifidobacterium along with mother’s colostrum and breast milk. Methods: A randomized controlled study was performed on 35 VPIs, born between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation with birth weights <1,500 g. The patients received either daily Bifidobacterium breve supplementation (Bifid group) or vehicle supplement only (placebo group). Parenteral nutrition was initiated with glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids for all of the infants soon after birth. Each infant received their own mother’s colostrum within 24 h of birth, and breast milk on subsequent days. Fecal bacteria, organic acids, pH, bile acids, and plasma fatty acids were analyzed. Results: Seventeen infants were allocated to the Bifid group and 18 to the placebo group; the birth weights and gestational ages did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared to the placebo group, the Bifid group showed significantly greater and earlier weight gain by 8 weeks; significantly higher total fecal bacterial counts, including bifidobacteria; higher levels of total fecal short-chain fatty acids and nominally (but not significantly) higher concentrations of plasma n–3 fatty acids; and lower levels of total fecal bile acid. Conclusions: Bifidobacterial supplementation of maternal colostrum and breast milk yielded the establishment of a beneficial microbiota profile, leading to favorable metabolic responses that appeared to provide improved growth in VPIs.