Relationship between Feeding Methods and the Intestinal Microbiota of Infants at a Nursery Center on a Remote Island in Okinawa, Japan

• Published in: Eiyōgaku zasshi Vol. 72; no. 6; pp. 302 - 310
• Main Authors: Ohnita, Azusa, Innami, Satoshi, Tokui, Noritaka, Minari, Yoshimi, Furugen, Mamoru, Matsuzaki, Keiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Society of Nutrition and Dietetics 2014
• Subjects: dietary education; feeding; infants at nursery centers; intestinal microbiota; remote island in Okinawa
• ISSN: 0021-5147; 1883-7921
• DOI: 10.5264/eiyogakuzashi.72.302

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effects of feeding methods and the weaning period on the intestinal microbiota of infants at a nursery center on a remote island in Okinawa, a prefecture noted for the longevity of its people. Methods: The study was conducted from October 27 to November 20, 2008. A total of 117 infants were studied, and written consent was obtained for all of the subjects. Evaluation was based on analyses of the intestinal microbiota and a self-completed questionnaire on feeding and weaning. The analyses of the intestinal microbiota were performed by cluster analysis using Nagashima's method of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: When compared by feeding method, the percentages (mean ± standard error) of Bifidobacteria, in the intestinal microbiota were 32.8 ± 11.8%, 24.2 ± 11.1%, and 19.0 ± 8.0% in infants who were breast-fed only, breast-fed and bottle-fed, and bottle-fed only, respectively, and was significantly higher in those who were breast-fed. When compared by weaning period, the percentages (mean ± standard error) of Bifidobacteria in the intestinal microbiota were 20.0 ± 7.4% and 26.3 ± 10.9% in those younger than 6 months of age and those 7 to 14 months of age, respectively, and was significantly higher in the latter group. Conclusion: To maintain the dominance of effective microorganisms such as Bifidobacteria, which keep the enteral environment of infants healthy, dietary education regarding feeding methods and the weaning period is essential for parents. Information about foods that improve the enteral environment should also be provided to parents and staff at nursery centers.