Acquiring or maintaining a balance in the composition, metabolism and distribution of the microbiota seems to be associated with a lower risk of suffering from a large number of diseases (autoimmune, allergies, metabolic, etc.). It is influenced by the genotype of the host, so that each person has a unique microbiota with great variability in its composition.

The maternal microbiota plays a decisive role in the establishment of the microbiota of her offspring.

During gestation, there are changes in the composition and diversity of the maternal microbiota, both intestinal and vaginal, and this is transmitted during delivery to the newborn.

The type of microbiota transmitted from mother to child depends on whether the delivery is vaginal (vaginal bacteria) or cesarean section (skin bacteria), and an infant born vaginally has a microbiota that is more protective against the onset of various diseases.

The immune and metabolic capacity of the infant can be directly influenced by feeding.. The longer the duration of breastfeeding, the better the response to satiety and the lower the risk of obesity in the infant throughout his or her life.

It is essential to take good care of the infant's diet during the first months of life until the second year of life, since this is where the foundations of its microbiota will be laid until it reaches maturity.

Various diseases such as IBS, celiac disease or neurological disorders in which specific dietary regimens such as low FODMAPs diets or ketogenic and gluten-free diets are considered therapeutic. These have positive effects on the symptoms of the disease. However, if maintained over a long period of time and without medical control, they can negatively affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota producing an increased risk of overweight and obesity both in childhood and adulthood.

In both overweight children and adults, prebiotics and probiotics are of interest as they modify the composition of the gut microbiota and affect food intake, appetite, body composition and metabolic functions.

 

In conclusion, good nutrition of pregnant and lactating women during vaginal delivery, breastfeeding, introduction of complementary feeding according to pediatric recommendations and a healthy family table are key factors in the development of a healthy intestinal microbiota that will be established during the first years of life and will condition their health in adulthood.