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Control of the Large Bowel Microflora
Published in Michael J. Hill, Philip D. Marsh, Human Microbial Ecology, 2020
Bohumil S. Drasar, April K. Roberts
The contribution of breast milk to the dominance of bifidobacteria may be mediated not only by inhibition of competing organisms, but also by the direct stimulation of bifidobacteria by growth-promoting substances. A stimulatory factor in human milk was described that was not destroyed by autoclaving and was essential for the growth of one strain of Bifidobacterium bifidium (L. bifidus) var. pennsylvanicus. This material was later identified as a saccharide containing N-acetyl glucosamine. Such compounds are used by bifidobacteria for cell wall synthesis and are present in human milk, but only in very low concentrations in cows’ milk. This substance is now known as Bifidus Factor 1.
Principles of prescribing in lactation
Published in Anne Lee, Sally Inch, David Finnigan, Therapeutics in Pregnancy and Lactation, 2019
Many benefits of breastfeeding have been identified (Table 2.1). The composition of breast milk adapts to meet the changing demands of the developing infant, especially with regard to protein, fat, vitamin and mineral content. Breast milk is better digested than formula feeds due to the presence of bifidus factor. Milk is normally only produced in quantities that satisfy the nutritional requirements of the infant and which prevent overfeeding and obesity.
Anatomy and physiology of lactation
Published in Maria Pollard, Evidence-based Care for Breastfeeding Mothers, 2018
Mature breastmilk contains approximately 40 per cent casein and 60 per cent whey proteins, which form soft curds in the stomach and are easy to digest (Lawrence and Lawrence, 2016). The whey proteins contain anti-infective proteins, while casein is important to carry calcium and phosphate. Lactoferrin binds iron, promoting easier absorption and preventing the growth of bacteria in the intestine. Bifidus factor is also available to promote the growth of lactobacillus bifidus (good bacteria), to inhibit harmful bacteria by increasing the pH of the infant’s stool. Taurine is also required for the conjugation of bile salts and absorption of fats in the first few days, as well as the myelination of the nervous system.
Taking a prebiotic approach to early immunomodulation for allergy prevention
Published in Expert Review of Clinical Immunology, 2018
Rachelle Pretorius, Susan L. Prescott, Debra J. Palmer
The functional importance of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) have been recognized for over 50 years, including their role as the ‘bifidus factor’ (reviewed in [36]). HMO undergo fermentation in the infant colon shaping the gut microbiota composition by favoring the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria [37]. In addition, the HMO also confer specific health benefits to the infant (as reviewed in [37]) including: Protection from pathogens: some HMO act as anti-adhesives by resembling epithelial cell surface glycans and thereby serving as soluble decoy receptors to prevent pathogens binding and reducing the risk of viral, bacterial and protozoan parasite infections. Some also reduce the proliferation abilities of some pathogens.Maintenance of barrier function: some HMO have been shown to modulate intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation.Immunomodulatory effects: like other dietary prebiotics, as discussed earlier, some HMO also have beneficial immunomodulatory effects (as reviewed in [38]).