Pediatria pre prax 4/2010

Breast milk as a source of bacteria with potentially probiotic effects

Probiotics and biotherapeutic agents are defined as live microorganisms that, following ingestion, modify the composition of the human intestinal microflora, thus bringing health benefits. In several recent years, these microorganisms have been the subject of major medical interest. In early twenty-first century, initial scientific papers appeared concerning possible probiotic potential of bacterial strains isolated from breast milk. The composition of the intestinal microflora is primarily dependent on intestinal colonization immediately after birth the sources of which may be the vaginal mucosa, maternal intestinal microflora, hospital-like environment of the maternity unit and, possibly, the bacteria present in maternal breast milk. Given the fact that breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition and the development of infant formulae, it is essential to elucidate the role of bacteria present in human breast milk and their relationship to prebiotic oligosaccharides. The author summarizes some up-to-date knowledge on probiotics and their potential occurrence in human breast milk.

Keywords: breast milk, probiotics, prebiotics, colonization, bacteria.