Microbial Interactions with Protein Intake and Preterm Infant Body Composition: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

In 30 seconds

This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examined the impact of additional enteral protein supplementation on gut microbiota and body composition in preterm infants (25-28 weeks gestation). Among 46 infants, the protein group exhibited higher week 4 Shannon diversity (median 1.2 vs 0.87, P = 0.049) and a positive correlation between diversity and fat-free mass z-score at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (r² = 0.34, P = 0.02).

Key findings

• The protein group had higher week 4 Shannon diversity than standard fortification (median 1.2 vs 0.87, P = 0.049).
• Week 4 Shannon diversity positively correlated with fat-free mass z-score at 36 weeks PMA (r² = 0.34, P = 0.02).
• Bacillus abundance at week 4 was the strongest predictor of fat-free mass z-score (β = -0.17, P < 0.001).
• 62 predicted metabolic pathways were lower in the protein group (false discovery rate < 0.20).

Why it matters

Understanding the relationship between protein intake, gut microbiota, and body composition in preterm infants can inform nutritional strategies to optimize growth and health outcomes in this vulnerable population.