Key determinants of the intestinal microbiota in early childhood

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota develops rapidly after birth, determined by the maternal microbiota, mode of delivery, early infant feeding patterns and the subsequent long-term diet. While short-term dietary changes are associated with rapid effects on the intestinal microbiota, changes are transient and modest in magnitude. A healthy intestinal microbiota with high diversity can support a balanced immune homeostasis, allowing appropriate tolerance responses while simultaneously protecting against harmful exposures. Disruption of the intestinal microbiota in early life leads to a degraded stable microbiota that has been associated with increased risk of disease, particularly chronic non-communica..