Early Solid Food Introduction Linked to Changes in Gut Microbiota

Early introduction of solid foods in infants is associated with alterations to the gut microbiome and to butyric acid concentrations until 1 year of age, according to the results of a recent study.

“Early introduction to complementary or solid foods in infancy has been associated with increased risk of childhood obesity, oxidative stress, and immune-mediated conditions, but the mechanism underlying these associations is not yet well understood. It has been postulated that alterations in the infant gut microbiota may be on the pathway,” the authors explained.

Previous research has suggested that short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyric acid, could be linked to conditions associated with altered gut microbiota, including inflammation and obesity.

In order to explore the effects of early (at or before 3 months) introduction of complementary feeding (consumption of solid foods or non-water/formula liquids), the researchers conducted a study of mother-infant dyads, 18 of which were in the early complementary feeding group and 49 of which were in the later feeding group.

Following adjustment for breast feeding, birth weight, delivery method, and gestational age, the researchers found that infants who were introduced to complementary foods early had higher fecal concentrations of butyric acid and total SCFAs at 12 months.

“Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that early (vs. later) introduction to complementary foods is associated with altered gut microbiota composition and butyric acid concentrations measured in stool until at least 1 year of age. Further research is needed to determine if these changes mediate future development of metabolic and immune conditions,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:
Differding MK, Benjamin-Neelson SE, Hoyo C, et al. Timing of complementary feeding is associated with gut microbiota diversity and composition and short chain fatty acid concentrations over the first year of life [published online March 11, 2020]. BMC Microbiol doi: 10.1186/s12866-020-01723-9