Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 supplementation in rats during pregnancy and lactation affects breast milk composition.
- 2020-04
- Journal of Dairy Science 103(4)
- Ignasi Azagra-Boronat
- A. Tres
- M. Massot-Cladera
- À. Franch
- M. Castell
- F. Guardiola
- F. Pérez-Cano
- M. J. Rodríguez-Lagunas
- PubMed: 32008776
- DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17384
Abstract
Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 has shown immunomodulatory action and reduction of infections; therefore, it is suggested to be appropriate for use in early life. The present study aimed to assess the effects of the supplementation of L. fermentum CECT5716 in rats during gestation and lactation periods on the composition of some mammary milk components such as microbiota, fatty acid (FA) profile, and immunoglobulins. Wistar rats were supplemented by oral gavage with 1010 cfu/d of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6) for 5 wk, comprising the 3 wk of gestation and the first 2 wk of lactation. At the end of the intervention, milk, mammary glands, and cecal contents were obtained for the tracking of the probiotic strain by nested PCR-quantitative PCR. Additionally, milk samples were used for the analysis of microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing, FA by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, and immunoglobulin by Luminex (Luminex Corporation, Austin, TX). Although L. fermentum CECT5716 administration did not modify the overall composition of milk microbiota, the strain was detected in 50% of the milk samples of rats supplemented with the probiotic. Moreover, probiotic administration induced beneficial changes in the FA composition of milk by increasing total PUFA, including linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and decreasing the proportion of palmitic acid. Finally, the milk of the rats treated with the probiotic showed a 2-fold increase of IgA levels. The supplementation with L. fermentum CECT5716 during pregnancy and lactation periods improved the milk composition of FA and immunoglobulins. These effects were not linked to the presence of the strain in milk, thus suggesting that the mechanism is connected to intestinal compartment. These findings provide novel insight into a potential new approach for infants to benefit from better nutrition, development of a healthy immune system and microbiota, and protection from gastrointestinal infections.
Keywords: Lactobacillus; fatty acid; immune system; microbiota.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus fermentum | Elevated IgA Levels in Milk | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus fermentum | Increased Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Milk | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 | Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 | Improved Fatty Acid Profile | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum Lf-33 | Decreased Proportion of Palmitic Acid in Milk | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum Lf-33 | Increased Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Milk | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum LF61 | Improved Fatty Acid Composition | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus fermentum LF61 | Increased Immunoglobulin A Levels in Breast Milk | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F | Increased Immunoglobulin A Levels in Breast Milk | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F | Increased PUFA Levels in Breast Milk | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum MAK20L13F | Reduced Palmitic Acid Levels in Breast Milk | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum UALf-32 | Improved Milk Fatty Acid Profile | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum UALf-32 | Increased Immunoglobulin Levels in Milk | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus fermentum VPro 14 | Improved Milk Fatty Acid Profile | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus fermentum VPro 14 | Increased Immunoglobulin A Levels | Beneficial | Large |