Infant Feeding, Gut Permeability, and Gut Inflammation Markers

Abstract

Objectives: Increased gut permeability and gut inflammation have been linked to the development of type 1 diabetes. Little is known on whether and how intake of different foods is linked to these mechanisms in infancy. We investigated whether the amount of breast milk and intake of other foods are associated with gut inflammation marker concentrations and permeability. Methods: Seventy-three infants were followed from birth to 12 months of age. Their diet was assessed with structured questionnaires and 3-day weighed food records at the age of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Gut permeability was assessed with the lactulose/mannitol test and fecal calprotectin and human β-defensin-2 (HBD-2) concentrations were analyzed from stool samples at the age of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The associations between foods and gut inflammation marker concentrations and permeability were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Gut permeability and gut inflammation marker concentrations decreased during the first year of life. Intake of hydrolyzed infant formula (P = 0.003) and intake of fruits and juices (P = 0.001) were associated with lower intestinal permeability. Intake of fruits and juices (P < 0.001), vegetables (P < 0.001), and oats (P = 0.003) were associated with lower concentrations of HBD-2. Higher intake of breast milk was associated with higher fecal calprotectin concentrations (P < 0.001), while intake of fruits and juices (P < 0.001), vegetables (P < 0.001), and potatoes (P = 0.007) were associated with lower calprotectin concentrations. Conclusions: Higher intake of breast milk may contribute to higher calprotectin concentration, whereas several complementary foods may decrease gut permeability and concentrations of calprotectin and HBD-2 in infant gut.

Gut Inflammation Markers, Diet, and Risk of Islet Autoimmunity in Finnish Children – A Nested Case-Control Study

“…However, Koivusaari et al. [ 42 ] also reported lower calprotectin in association with fruits and juices, vegetables, and potatoes, and higher calprotectin in association to human milk, which we did not find. The analyses by Koivusaari et al.…”

“…[ 42 ], who studied the associations of foods with fecal HBD-2 and calprotectin during the first year of life in a separate sample of 73 Finnish children with HLA-conferred susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. Koivusaari et al [ 42 ] reported associations of fruits and juices, vegetables, and oats with lower HBD-2, which could be reflected by our finding of higher intake of dietary fiber and carbohydrates in association with lower HBD-2. However, Koivusaari et al.…”

“…The analyses by Koivusaari et al. [ 42 ] were longitudinal, and there were several differences in the dietary habits of the study populations that could explain some of the differences in findings. For example, a smaller proportion of children in the present study was human milk-fed, and the children consumed more potatoes, meat, and cereals than those in the study by Koivusaari et al [ 42 ].…”