Review

The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding

Volume: 9 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
TR EN

The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding

Abstract

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that plays a significant role in human health, particularly during infancy. This review examines the effects of breastfeeding and formula feeding on the gut microbiota based on research conducted over the past five years. Various studies have shown that infants who are breastfed have a richer and more balanced microbiota profile. The natural prebiotics and probiotics found in breast milk support the growth of beneficial bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, helping to protect infants against infections. In contrast, infants who are formula-fed generally exhibit lower microbiota diversity and an increased presence of potentially harmful bacteria. This situation can negatively impact the development of the immune system and increase the risk of allergic diseases. The review also explores the impact of dietary habits from different geographical regions on the microbiota; recommendations for future research are provided, and the importance of promoting breastfeeding is emphasized. Breastfeeding plays a critical role not only in infant nutrition but also in strengthening the mother-infant bond and providing long-term health benefits. Therefore, raising awareness in the community about this issue is essential for helping infants achieve optimal health levels.

Keywords

Thanks

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my dear father, Prof. Dr. Hasan Bedir, whose academic competence, scientific perspective, and commitment to lifelong learning have been a guiding light throughout my journey, always supporting and inspiring me along the way.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Models of Care and Place of Birth, Midwifery (Other), Health Services and Systems (Other)

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 28, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 3

APA
Bedir, B. (2026). The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, 9(3), 256-269. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1669045
AMA
1.Bedir B. The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2026;9(3):256-269. doi:10.62425/esbder.1669045
Chicago
Bedir, Başak. 2026. “The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 9 (3): 256-69. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1669045.
EndNote
Bedir B (September 1, 2026) The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 9 3 256–269.
IEEE
[1]B. Bedir, “The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding”, Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 256–269, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.62425/esbder.1669045.
ISNAD
Bedir, Başak. “The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences 9/3 (September 1, 2026): 256-269. https://doi.org/10.62425/esbder.1669045.
JAMA
1.Bedir B. The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2026;9:256–269.
MLA
Bedir, Başak. “The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding”. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences, vol. 9, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 256-69, doi:10.62425/esbder.1669045.
Vancouver
1.Başak Bedir. The Importance of Gut Microbiota in Infant Health: Understanding the Impact of Feeding. Journal of Midwifery and Health Sciences. 2026 Sep. 1;9(3):256-69. doi:10.62425/esbder.1669045

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