Restoration of gut microbiota with a specific synbiotic-containing infant formula in healthy Chinese infants born by cesarean section

Title: Restoration of gut microbiota with a specific synbiotic-containing infant formula in healthy Chinese infants born by cesarean section

Breast milk is a rich source of essential nutrients, providing optimal energy for a baby’s growth and development, including the maturation of their immune system.¹Koletzko B. Ann Nutr Metab. Published on 2016;69(2):28-40., ²Demmelmair H & Koletzko B. Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published on
2018;32(1):57-68. ³Hageman JH et al. Int Dairy J. Published on 2019;92:37-49. Among its key components are human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and beneficial bacteria, both of which play a crucial role in shaping the infant gut microbiota.

However, several factors can influence microbiota development, including mode of delivery. Babies born via cesarean section (C-section) often experience delayed colonization of beneficial gut bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and Bacteroidota species, which may have long-term implications for immunity and overall health.

A recent clinical trial sponsored by Danone Research & Innovation (R&I) confirms the findings of the previously conducted JULIUS study, and offers promising evidence into how a specialized synbiotic formula can help restore these essential microbes in C-section born infants. The new study has been published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, the gut microbiota composition of two groups of infants was monitored over a 12-month period. One group received a formula enriched with a prebiotic mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS) in a 9:1 ratio, while the other group received the same prebiotic blend with the addition of the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve M-16V.

According to Gregg Ward, Vice President of Science, Nutrition & Digital Health at Danone Research Center in Shanghai: “These enriched formulas were carefully selected. scGOS/lcFOS mimics human milk oligosaccharides in terms of quantity, structural complexity, and composition. Bifidobacterium breve is naturally present in human milk as well as a human resident bacterium of the infant gut. The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve M-16V in synergy with GOS/FOS supports the development of a diverse gut microbiota.”

Professor Wei Cai, Director of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research in China and principal investigator of the study further explains: “Both formulas supported a healthy microbiome bifidobacterial community. However, the synbiotic formula demonstrated distinct advantages for C-section born infants. At 17 weeks, it had increased bifidobacterial diversity and restored Parabacteroides levels, while Bacteroides abundance approached that of vaginally born infants by 12 months. These improvements in gut microbiota composition are also associated to better health outcomes.”

While additional research is needed to confirm long-term health benefits, data from both studies⁴Chua MC, Ben-Amor K, Lay C, Neo AGE, Chiang WC, Rao R, Chew C, Chaithongwongwatthana S, Khemapech N, Knol J, Chongsrisawat V. Effect of Synbiotic on the Gut Microbiota of Cesarean Delivered Infants: … Continue reading demonstrate that the specific synbiotic formula effectively promotes a diverse and beneficial gut microbiota environment beyond the intervention period, approaching the abundance levels observed in healthy, vaginally born infants. Particularly, it can benefit C-section born infants by restoring key bacterial populations that are essential for healthy development.

To read the full publication access: Wang, Y., Wopereis, H., Kakourou, A. et al. Restoration of gut microbiota with a specific synbiotic-containing infant formula in healthy Chinese infants born by cesarean section. Eur J Clin Nutr (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-025-01571-8