Influence of dietary components on development of the microbiota in single-stomached species

Abstract

After birth, development of a normal microbial community occurs gradually, and is affected by factors such as the composition of the maternal gut microbiota, the environment, and the host genome. Diet also has a direct influence, both on composition and activity of this community. This influence begins with the milk, when specific components exert their growth-promoting effect on a beneficial microbiota, thereby suppressing potential pathogens. For example, breastfed infants compared with formula-fed babies usually have a microbial community dominated by bifidobacteria. When solid food is introduced (weaning), dramatic changes in microbial composition occur, so pathogens can gain access to the disturbed gastrointestinal (GI) ecosystem. However, use of specific dietary components can alter the composition and activity of the microbiota positively. Of all dietary components, fermentable carbohydrates seem to be most promising in terms of promoting proliferation of beneficial bacterial species. Carbohydrate fermentation results in the production of SCFA which are known for their trophic and healthpromoting effects. Fermentation of proteins, on the other hand, is often associated with growth of potential pathogens, and results in production of detrimental substances including NH 3 and amines. In terms of the GI microbiota, lipids are often associated with the antimicrobial activity of medium-chain fatty acids and their derivatives. The present review aims to provide deeper insights into the composition and development of the neonatal GI microbiota, how this microbiota can be influenced by certain dietary components, and how this might ultimately lead to improvements in host health.

Impact of dietary protein on microbiota composition and activity in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets in relation to gut health: a review

“…To stimulate beneficial bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates must be neither hydrolyzed nor absorbed in the upper GIT of the animal (Branner et al, 2004). Fermentable carbohydrates that have been frequently used in pig diets include NSP, such as cellulose, hemicellulose or pectin, resistant starches and nondigestible oligosaccharides (Bauer et al, 2006). For example, after inclusion of sugar beet pulp, inulin, lactulose and wheat starch in diets for newly weaned piglets, Awati et al (2006) determined lower fecal concentrations of ammonia and BCFA.…”

“…Thus, nutritional strategies to modulate the intestinal microbial ecosystem appear to be a useful tool to improve GIT health. For example, enhancing growth and metabolic activity of beneficial members of the gastrointestinal microbiota and therefore promoting a stable GIT ecosystem by specific dietary ingredients provides one major option (Bauer et al, 2006). Accordingly, fermentable carbohydrates such as different types of resistant starch, non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and nondigestible oligosaccharides have been shown to enhance proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the small intestine (Bikker et al, 2007).…”

“…The trophic effect of SCFA on the intestinal epithelium has been reviewed elsewhere (e.g. Bauer et al, 2006). Moreover, SCFA create a slightly acidic environment (Unger and Viernstein, 2004), thereby preventing the growth of acid-sensitive detrimental bacteria, including pathogenic Salmonella and E. coli (Wells et al, 2005).…”

Analysis of bacterial community shifts in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs fed diets supplemented with β-glucan from Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborea and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

“…For newly weaning piglets, the dietary supplementation of prebiotics is generally regarded as a comparatively straightforward approach to improve microbiota composition and functionality of both the small and large intestine (Bauer et al, 2006). Seaweeds are rich in polysaccharides that are resistant to digestion and adsorption in the small intestine but are completely or partially fermented in the large intestine by the microbiota present (Devillé et al, 2004;Reilly et al, 2008).…”

“…The consumption of feed additives may affect the microbial population dynamic within the GIT causing shifts in the specifically aforementioned populations. Research and development into biotic products has helped pave the way towards finding a successful replacement for antibiotic growth promoters during the weaning phase of pig production (Reilly et al, 2008;Gahan et al, 2009;Janczyk et al, 2010).For newly weaning piglets, the dietary supplementation of prebiotics is generally regarded as a comparatively straightforward approach to improve microbiota composition and functionality of both the small and large intestine (Bauer et al, 2006). Seaweeds are rich in polysaccharides that are resistant to digestion and adsorption in the small intestine but are completely or partially fermented in the large intestine by the microbiota present (Devillé et al, 2004;Reilly et al, 2008).…”