History of breastfeeding but not mode of delivery shapes the gut microbiome in childhood

Camille C. Cioffi, Hannah F. Tavalire, Jenae M. Neiderhiser, Brendan Bohannan, Leslie D. Leve

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The naïve neonatal gut is sensitive to early life experiences. Events during this critical developmental window may have life-long impacts on the gut microbiota. Two experiences that have been associated with variation in the gut microbiome in infancy are mode of delivery and feeding practices (eg, breastfeeding). It remains unclear whether these early experiences are responsible for microbial differences beyond toddlerhood. Aims Our study examined whether mode of delivery and infant feeding practices are associated with differences in the child and adolescent microbiome. Design, subjects, measures We used an adoption-sibling design to compare genetically related siblings who were reared together or apart. Gut microbiome samples were collected from 73 children (M = 11 years, SD = 3 years, range = 3–18 years). Parents reported on child breastfeeding history, age, sex, height, and weight. Mode of delivery was collected through medical records and phone interviews. Results Negative binomial mixed effects models were used to identify whether mode of delivery and feeding practices were related to differences in phylum and genus-level abundance of bacteria found in the gut of child participants. Covariates included age, sex, and body mass index. Genetic relatedness and rearing environment were accounted for as random effects. We observed a significant association between lack of breastfeeding during infancy and a greater number of the genus Bacteroides in stool in childhood and adolescence. Conclusion The absence of breastfeeding may impart lasting effects on the gut microbiome well into childhood.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere0235223
JournalPloS one
Volume15
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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