Impact Of Feeding Practice On Diversity Pattern Of The Gut Microbiome In Infants.

Background: The microbiome which is developed at the time of infancy remains predominant and influences the health in childhood and then throughout life through moderating different gut metabolic activities This study was designed to look for the impact of feeding practices on the diversity of gut microbiota in infants in a Pakistani cohort.

Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in 46 healthy infants [23breast-fed (BF) and 23 formula-fed (FF)], aged 0-4 months, enrolled from different centers and localities in Peshawar. Infants were screened to exclude any pathological or physiological condition that can vary the gut microbial flora such as gut surgeries and the use of antibiotics.