Plain language summary
Increasing incidence of autoimmune, infectious and allergic diseases in paediatric and adult population may be closely related to the alteration of physiological development of human gut microbiota. Numerous studies have highlighted a correlation between a higher increase of paediatric diseases and the increased number of Caesarean sections. This study is a review of studies highlighting the composition of maternal, foetal and neonatal microbiota, the factors that may lead to dysbiosis and the use of functional nutrients to prevent diseases’ onset. Literature shows that the type of delivery, the use of antibiotics and the type of feeding may determine a sub-optimal composition of the neonatal microbiota, as well as the presence of an altered maternal vaginal or intestinal flora. Authors conclude that in order to guarantee the development of neonatal intestinal microbiota as physiological as possible, C-sections should be limited, pre and intrapartum administration of antibiotics to neonates should be reduced, exclusive breastfeeding should be promoted, and specific functional nutrients should be prescribed.
Abstract
The development of a proper neonatal microbiota is of great importance, especially for the effects that dysbiosis has in acute and chronic diseases' onset. The microbiota, particularly the intestinal one, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the host, preventing colonization by pathogenic bacteria and significantly influencing the development and maturation of a normal gastrointestinal mucosal immunity. Several factors may interfere with the physiological development of microbiota, such as diseases during pregnancy, type of delivery, maternal nutrition, type of neonatal feeding, use of antibiotics, exposition to hospital environment (e.g., neonatal intensive care unit) and genetic factors. Thanks to a proper maternal and neonatal supplementation with specific functional nutrients, it is now possible to correct dysbiosis, thus reducing the risks for the newborn's health. In this review of the literature, we give an overview of the studies highlighting the composition of the maternal, fetal and neonatal microbiota, the factors potentially responsible for dysbiosis and the use of functional nutrients to prevent diseases' onset.
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