Abstract
The human intestinal microbiota plays a significant role in host metabolism and physiology.
The early-life microbiota undergoes subtle changes, mainly during the first 1,000
days, and can be affected by many factors such as mode of delivery and feeding, maternal
diet, family structure, disease, medication, and environment. While acquisition of
particular microbial arrays is associated with healthy infants and adults, an altered
microbiota is linked with various illnesses. For instance, a disrupted neonatal microbiome
due to cesarean or excessive antibiotic exposure may result in increased predisposition
to allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases in later life. Although mechanisms
underlying these correlations are not yet fully elucidated, emerging evidences are
indicating that the early-life microbial composition is critical to health. Hence,
its more comprehensive understanding can offer great avenues for health interventions.
Keywords
bacterial composition - breast-feeding - cesarean delivery - formula-feeding - gut
microbiota - infant - neonate - probiotics - vaginal delivery
