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The first years of life constitute a crucial period for neurodevelopment and a window of opportunity to develop new strategies to prevent neurological and mental diseases. Different studies have shown the influence of gut bacteria in neurogenesis and a functional relationship between gut microbiota and the brain, known as 'gut-brain axis', in which the intestinal microbiota is proposed to play a key role in neurophysiological processes. It has been observed that certain microbiome metabolites could be related to the development of neurological disorders through mechanisms still unknown. Then, more studies are needed to broaden the knowledge regarding the relationship between the Central Nervous System and the gastrointestinal tract, which could help to develop new preventive and treatment protocols.

To update the role of specific nutrients during infant development.Several bioactive nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), iron, vitamins, proteins, or carbohydrates have been identified to exert an important role during the first 1000 days of life on infant growth, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota establishment and maturation. LC-PUFAs are structural constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), being essential in retinal development or hippocampal plasticity. Recently, components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFG) are being added to infant formulas because of their key role in infant's development. A high intake of proteins induces a faster weight gain during infancy which correlates with later obesity. Digestible carbohydrates provide glucose, crucial for an adequate functioning of CNS; nondigestible carbohydrates [e.g. human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)] are the main carbon source for gut bacteria. Iron-deficiency anemia during infancy has been associated with alterations of mental and psychomotor development. Folate metabolism, closely related to vitamins B6 and B12, controls epigenetic changes, whereas inadequate status of vitamin D affects bone development, but may also increase intestinal permeability and alter gut microbiota composition.LC-PUFAs, proteins, carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins during early life are critical for infant's growth, neurodevelopment, and the establishment and functioning of gut microbiota.

This project is funded by the European Union Commission Horizon 2020 grant entitled `Implementation Action to Prevent Diabetes From Bump 2 Baby (IMPACT DIABETES B2B)' under grant agreement 847984, with collaborative National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia cofunding under grant number APP1194234. The project is sponsored by the University College Dublin. The funders and the sponsor have no role in the design of the study; the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data; or writing of the manuscript or decision to publish. Financial audits are carried out by the European Union Commission., Background: Gestational diabetes (GDM) impacts 8–18% of pregnancies and greatly increases both maternal and child risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Whilst lifestyle interventions in pregnancy and postpartum reduce this risk, a research translation gap remains around delivering implementable interventions with adequate population penetration and participation. Impact Diabetes Bump2Baby is an implementation project of an evidence-based system of care for the prevention of overweight and obesity. Bump2Baby and Me is the multicentre randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of a mHealth coaching programme in pregnancy and postpartum for women at high risk of developing GDM. Methods: Eight hundred women will be recruited in early pregnancy from 4 clinical sites within Ireland, the UK, Spain, and Australia. Women will be screened for eligibility using the validated Monash GDM screening tool. Participants will be enrolled from 12 to 24 weeks’ gestation and randomised on a 1:1 basis into the intervention or control arm. Alongside usual care, the intervention involves mHealth coaching via a smartphone application, which uses a combination of synchronous and asynchronous video and text messaging, and allows for personalised support and goal setting with a trained health coach. The control arm receives usual care. All women and their children will be followed from early pregnancy until 12 months postpartum. The primary outcome will be a difference in maternal body mass index (BMI) of 0.8 kg/m2 at 12 months postpartum. Secondary maternal and infant outcomes include the development of GDM, gestational weight gain, pregnancy outcomes, improvements in diet, physical activity, sleep, and neonatal weight and infant growth patterns. The 5-year project is funded by the EU Commission Horizon 2020 and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Ethical approval has been received. Discussion: Previous interventions have not moved beyond tightly controlled efficacy trials into routine service delivery. This project aims to provide evidence-based, sustainable support that could be incorporated into usual care for women during pregnancy and postpartum. This study will contribute evidence to inform the early prevention of non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes in mothers and the next generation., European Union Commission Horizon 2020 grant entitled 'Implementation Action to Prevent Diabetes From Bump 2 Baby (IMPACT DIABETES B2B)' 847984, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia APP1194234, University College Dublin, European Commission

Variants in the human genes of fatty acid (FA) desaturase 1 (FADS1), 2 (FADS2) and 3 (FADS3) are associated with PUFA blood levels. We explored if maternal prenatal supplementation and children’s genetic variation in seventeen SNP of the FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 gene cluster influence twenty-one of the most relevant cheek cells’ derived FA in glycerophospholipids (GPL-FA). The study was conducted in 147 Spanish and German mother–children pairs participating in the Nutraceuticals for a Healthier Life (NUHEAL) study at 8, 9 and 9·5 years. Linear and mixed model longitudinal regression analyses were performed. Maternal fish-oil (FO) or FO+5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) supplementation during pregnancy was associated with a significant decrease of arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations in cheek cell GPL in the offspring, from 8 to 9·5 years; furthermore, maternal FO+5-MTHF supplementation was associated with higher n-6 docosapentaenoic acid concentrations in their children at age 8 years. FADS1 rs174556 polymorphism and different FADS2 genotypes were associated with higher concentrations of linoleic and α-linolenic acids in children; moreover, some FADS2 genotypes determined lower AA concentrations in children’s cheek cells. It is suggested an interaction between type of prenatal supplementation and the offspring genetic background driving GPL-FA levels at school age. Prenatal FO supplementation, and/or with 5-MTHF, seems to stimulate n-3 and n-6 FA desaturation in the offspring, increasing long-chain PUFA concentrations at school age, but depending on children’s FADS1 and FADS2 genotypes. These findings suggest potential early nutrition programming of FA metabolic pathways, but interacting with children’s FADS polymorphisms.

Elective cesarean section (CS) was related to long-term adverse health effects in the offspring, but little is known about underlying mechanisms. Our study investigates the metabolic changes in both maternal and cord blood associated with CS in comparison to vaginal delivery (VD) to explore potential causal pathways. Samples obtained from PREOBE study participants were subjected to LC–MS/MS-targeted metabolomics comprising > 200 metabolites. Elective CS showed an impact on both maternal and cord blood metabolomes. In maternal blood, the CS group showed lower levels of phospholipids (PL), principally ether-linked phosphatidylcholines (aaPC), pyruvic acid, branched chain keto-acids (BCKA), and other gluconeogenic substrates, but since the CS group showed different HDL levels in comparison to the VD group, we could not exclude contribution of the latter in the findings. In cord blood, the most remarkable finding in the CS group was the high levels of Cys; conversely, the lower levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), some tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolites, gluconeogenic substrates, markers of β-oxidation, and the sum of hexoses were lower in CS-born babies in addition to tendentially lower levels of PL. We speculate that lower levels of maternal and fetal corticosteroids in CS, due to less stressful condition, cause metabolic perturbations at birth initiating future negative health outcomes. This further supports the early programming hypothesis.

Cultural background is an important variable influencing neuropsychological performance. Multinational projects usually involve gathering data from participants from different countries and/or different cultures. Little is known about the influence of culture on neuropsychological testing results in children and especially in European children. The objectives of this study were to compare neuropsychological performance of children from six European countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and Spain) using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and to apply a statistical procedure to reduce the influence of country/cultural differences in neuropsychological performance. As expected, the results demonstrated differences in neuropsychological performance among children of the six countries involved. Cultural differences remained after adjusting for other confounders related to neuropsychological execution, such as sex, type of delivery, maternal age, gestational age and maternal educational level. Differences between countries disappeared and influence of culture was considerably reduced when standardised scores by country and sex were used. These results highlight the need for developing specific procedures to compare neuropsychological performance among children from different cultures to be used in multicentre studies.

International audience

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: Venous access

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition : Iron and trace minerals

Objectives: Available published advice on use of incentives is limited and generally refers to short-term studies without longer follow-up, predominantly conducted in developed countries. We aim to summarize published information related to the use of incentives in long-term nutrition studies involving infants, children, and adolescents and the views of researchers in the field, to provide guidance on acceptable incentives. We conducted a literature review and a short online survey of researchers regarding their opinions on the use of incentives in paediatric long-term (follow-up) clinical studies. Responses from 38 researchers from 14 different countries indicated that 41% had used incentives to increase participation and 29% to 73%, depending on child's age and type of procedure, thought incentives may be used to increase compliance with follow-up visits. A small number of respondents thought incentives would not be approved by national ethics boards. Based on the literature review and the survey results, and European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition working group concluded that incentives for children and adolescents up to the value of 30 Euros, based on average EU income levels, may be offered as cash, vouchers, or age-appropriate gifts or toys, in addition to reimbursing expenses. Additional incentives may be offered if a study includes more burdening procedures, techniques that may appear frightening for younger children, or requires sustained participation (eg, dietary diaries or activity monitoring). There was agreement that it is preferable to give toys or gifts rather than money to younger children.

The clinical study was part of the EARNEST project (EARly Nutrition programminglong term follow up of Efficacy and Safety Trials and integrated epidemiological, genetic, animal, consumer and economic research), an EU-funded integrated project within the 6th Framework Programme (FOOD-CT-2005-007036). Within this project, Laboratorios Ordesa, Barcelona, Spain and BENEO-Orafti, Tienen, Belgium contributed to the overall funding of the SYNERGY-1 study., The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/article/10 .3390/nu13041276/s1, Table S1: Study formula characteristics, Table S2: Primer selection for qPCR, Table S3: Growth-related variables of infants following the consumption of either prebiotic vs. control formula at the following time points: age of 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, Table S4: Amount of formula ingested following the consumption of either prebiotic vs. control formula at the following time points: age of 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, Table S5: Number of infections until 12 months of age, Table S6: Digestive symptoms of the infants by feeding group and study time., The study was performed following the Helsinki declaration and the guidelines for the ethical conduct of medical research involving children. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committees of all participating hospitals and the CEIC Fundacio Sant Joan de Déu (Central Ethical Committee Spain, approval No: 2008)., Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or guardians of the infants, This study was financed in part by the Commission of the European Communities, within FP6 (contract 007036), as it was part of the Early Nutrition Programming [EARNEST] project., The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an infant formula supplemented with a mixture of prebiotic short and long chain inulin-type oligosaccharides on health outcomes, safety and tolerance, as well as on fecal microbiota composition during the first year of life. In a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, n = 160 healthy term infants under 4 months of age were randomized to receive either an infant formula enriched with 0.8 g/dL of Orafti(R)Synergy1 or an unsupplemented control formula until the age of 12 months. Growth, fever (>38 degrees C) and infections were regularly followed up by a pediatrician. Digestive symptoms, stool consistency as well as crying and sleeping patterns were recorded during one week each study month. Fecal microbiota and immunological biomarkers were determined from a subgroup of infants after 2, 6 and 12 months of life. The intention to treat (ITT) population consisted of n = 149 infants. Both formulae were well tolerated. Mean duration of infections was significantly lower in the prebiotic fed infants (p < 0.05). The prebiotic group showed higher Bifidobacterium counts at month 6 (p = 0.006), and higher proportions of Bifidobacterium in relation to total bacteria at month 2 and 6 (p = 0.042 and p = 0.013, respectively). Stools of infants receiving the prebiotic formula were softer (p < 0.05). Orafti(R)Synergy1 tended to beneficially impact total daily amount of crying (p = 0.0594). Supplementation with inulin-type prebiotic oligosaccharides during the first year of life beneficially modulates the infant gut microbiota towards higher Bifidobacterium levels at the first 6 months of life, and is associated with reduced duration of infections., European Commission FOOD-CT-2005-007036

Studies suggest that the bidirectional relationship existent between the gut microbiome (GM) and the central nervous system (CNS), or so-called the microbiome–gut–brain axis (MGBA), is involved in diverse neuropsychiatric diseases in children and adults. In pediatric age, most studies have focused on patients with autism. However, evidence of the role played by the MGBA in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, is still scanty and heterogeneous. This review aims to provide the current evidence on the functioning of the MGBA in pediatric patients with ADHD and the specific role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (!-3 PUFAs) in this interaction, as well as the potential of the GM as a therapeutic target for ADHD. We will explore: (1) the diverse communication pathways between the GM and the CNS; (2) changes in the GM composition in children and adolescents with ADHD and association with ADHD pathophysiology; (3) influence of the GM on the !-3 PUFA imbalance characteristically found in ADHD; (4) interaction between the GM and circadian rhythm regulation, as sleep disorders are frequently comorbid with ADHD; (5) finally, we will evaluate the most recent studies on the use of probiotics in pediatric patients with ADHD.

Although early life nutrition influences brain development and mental health, the long-term e ects of supplemented infant formula on children´s behavior remain unclear. We analyzed the e ects of a bioactive nutrients-enriched-infant formula on children’s behavior up to 2.5 years, compared to a standard infant formula or breastfeeding. Current analysis involved 70 children who were fed a standard infant formula (SF, n = 29) or a bioactive compounds enriched-infant formula (EF, n = 41), during their first 18 months of life, and 33 breastfed (BF) children (reference group) participating in the COGNIS study. Behavioral problems were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist at 18 months and 2.5 years. Di erent statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. EF children aged 2.5 years presented fewer pathological a ective problems than SF children. Besides, SF children were classified more frequently as bordering on internalizing problems than BF children. Rates of externalizing problems were increased in SF infants compared to EF and BF infants. Higher maternal IQ was found to have beneficial e ects on internalizing and total problem rate in their o spring at 18 months of life; finally, higher maternal educational level was related with fewer ADHD problems in children at 18 months, as well as internalizing, externalizing, total and anxiety problems in children aged 2.5 years. Our analysis suggests that enriched infant formula fed infants seem to show fewer behavioral problems up to 2.5 years compared to a standard infant formula-fed infants. In addition to type of early feeding, maternal IQ and educational level seem to play a key role on children behavioral development., Ordesa Laboratories, S.L. Contract University of Granada General Foundation 3349, SMARTFOODS (CIEN) Contract University of Granada General Foundation 4003, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, HORIZON 2020 EU DynaHEALTH Project 633595, Fundación Carolina, Madrid, Spain, Catedra ORDESA-University of Granada, Spain as part of Special Issue "Early Nutrition and Re-programming of Health and Disease"

[Background]: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily functioning as transcription factors to regulate cellular differentiation, development and metabolism. Moreover, it has been implicated in the regulation of lipid metabolism, as well as the maturation of monocytes/macrophages and the control of inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the Pro12Ala (rs1808212) PPARG gene polymorphism on immune molecular and cellular components in mothers and their offspring participating in the PREOBE study., [Methods]: DNA from maternal venous blood samples at 24, 34 and 40 gestational weeks, plus cord blood samples was extracted. Pro12Ala PPARG polymorphism genotyping was performed, and immune system markers were analyzed by flow cytometry., [Results]: Study findings revealed no effect of rs1808212 PPARG genotypes on innate immune parameters in mothers and their offspring; however, CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were decreased at 24 and 34 weeks in pregnant women carrying the CG (Pro12Ala) rs1808212 polymorphism, (p = 0,012 and p = 0,030; respectively). Only CD19 levels in peripheral blood were significantly higher at delivery in pregnant women carrying the CC (Pro12Pro) genotype (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in leukocytes and neutrophils maternal levels at 34 weeks of gestation, being lower in carriers of Pro12Ala genotype (p = 0.028 and p = 0.031, respectively)., [Conclusions]: Results suggest that Pro12Ala PPARG polymorphism may have an effect on some cell and immune parameters in pregnant women during pregnancy and at time of delivery. However, newborn innate immune system does not seems to be influenced by PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism in cord blood., This study was funded by Andalusian Ministry of Innovation and Science, Junta de Andalucía, Excellence Project [P06-CTS-02341]; Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [BFU2012-40254-C03-01]. Further support was received by Abbott Laboratories, Granada, Spain.

The prevalence of childhood obesity continues to increase. Screen time, one of the most documented reasons for the obesogenic environment, enhances childhood obesity, since advertisements for unhealthy food products are still broadcast on channels for children. This is presently one of the main challenges for the government in Spain, since the current laws and obligations are not updated. This study aims to analyze food advertising aimed at children on Spanish television in 2013 and 2018 on children&rsquo, s and general channels to test the effect of laws and obligations over time. In total, we viewed 512 h of the most viewed channels, two children&rsquo, s and two general channels, during the week and on weekends during specific periods of 2013 and 2018. Food advertising was categorized as core, non-core, and other food advertisement (CFA, NCFA, and OFA, respectively) according to the nutritional profile. A total of 2935 adverts were analyzed, 1263 in 2013 and 1672 in 2018. A higher proportion of NCFAs were broadcast on children&rsquo, s channels than in prior years, rising from 52.2% to 69.8% (p &lt, 0.001). Nowadays, the risk of watching NCFAs on children&rsquo, s channels compared to general channels turns out to be higher (Odds ratio &gt, 2.5, p &lt, 0.001), due to exposure to adverts for high-sugar and high-fat foods such as cakes, muffins, cookies, and fried and frozen meals rich in fat. In conclusion, the trends of nutritional profiles in food advertising on television are worsening over time, since the prevalence of NCFAs was higher in 2018 than in 2013. Currently, CFAs are not mainly broadcast on children&rsquo, s channels, confirming high-risk exposure to non-core food advertising by watching them. Thus, food advertising laws and obligations should be adapted to increase compliance.

Recent studies have shown that maternal supplementation with folate and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) during pregnancy may affect children&rsquo, s brain development. We aimed at examining the potential long-term effect of maternal supplementation with fish oil (FO) and/or 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) on the brain functionality of offspring at the age of 9.5&ndash, 10 years. The current study was conducted as a follow-up of the Spanish participants belonging to the Nutraceuticals for a Healthier Life (NUHEAL) project, 57 children were divided into groups according to mother&rsquo, s supplementation and assessed through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning and neurodevelopment testing. Independent component analysis and double regression methods were implemented to investigate plausible associations. Children born to mothers supplemented with FO (FO and FO + 5-MTHF groups, n = 33) showed weaker functional connectivity in the default mode (DM) (angular gyrus), the sensorimotor (SM) (motor and somatosensory cortices) and the fronto-parietal (FP) (angular gyrus) networks compared to the No-FO group (placebo and 5-MTHF groups, n = 24) (PFWE &lt, 0.05). Furthermore, no differences were found regarding the neuropsychological tests, except for a trend of better results in an object recall (memory) test. Considering the No-FO group, the aforementioned networks were associated negatively with attention and speed-processing functions. Mother&rsquo, s FO supplementation during pregnancy seems to be able to shape resting-state network functioning in their children at school age and appears to produce long-term effects on children&acute, s cognitive processing.

More than 10,000 preterm infants have participated in randomised controlled trials on probiotics worldwide, suggesting that probiotics in general could reduce rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and mortality. Answers to relevant clinical questions as to which strain to use, at what dosage, and how long to supplement are, however, not available. On the other hand, an increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics are available from sometimes suboptimal quality. Also, a large number of units around the world are routinely offering probiotic supplementation as the standard of care despite lacking solid evidence. Our recent network meta-analysis identified probiotic strains with greatest efficacy regarding relevant clinical outcomes for preterm neonates. Efficacy in reducing mortality and morbidity was found for only a minority of the studied strains or combinations. In the present position paper, we aim to provide advice, which specific strains might potentially be used and which strains should not be used. In addition, we aim to address safety issues of probiotic supplementation to preterm infants, who have reduced immunological capacities and occasional indwelling catheters. For example, quality reassurance of the probiotic product is essential, probiotic strains should be devoid of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, and local microbiologists should be able to routinely detect probiotic sepsis. Provided all safety issues are met, there is currently a conditional recommendation (with low certainty of evidence) to provide either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 or the combination of Bifidobacterium infantis Bb-02, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 in order to reduce NEC rates.

Nutrition during early life is essential for brain development and establishes the basis for cognitive and language skills development. It is well established that breastfeeding, compared to formula feeding, has been traditionally associated with increased neurodevelopmental scores up to early adulthood. We analyzed the long-term effects of a new infant formula enriched with bioactive compounds on healthy children&rsquo, s language development at four years old. In a randomized double-blind COGNIS study, 122 children attended the follow-up call at four years. From them, 89 children were fed a standard infant formula (SF, n = 46) or an experimental infant formula enriched with functional nutrients (EF, n = 43) during their first 18 months of life. As a reference group, 33 exclusively breastfed (BF) were included. Language development was assessed using the Oral Language Task of Navarra-Revised (PLON-R). ANCOVA, chi-square test, and logistic regression models were performed. EF children seemed to show higher scores in use of language and oral spontaneous expression than SF children, and both SF and EF groups did not differ from the BF group. Moreover, it seems that SF children were more frequently categorized into &ldquo, need to improve and delayed&rdquo, in the use of language than EF children, and might more frequently present &ldquo, in the PLON-R total score than BF children. Finally, the results suggest that SF children presented a higher risk of suffering language development than BF children. Secondary analysis also showed a slight trend between low socioeconomic status and poorer language skills. The functional compound-enriched infant formula seems to be associated with beneficial long-term effects in the development of child&rsquo, s language at four years old in a similar way to breastfed infants.

Both pre- and early postnatal supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA) and folate have been related to neural development, but their long-term effects on later neural function remain unclear. We evaluated the long-term effects of maternal prenatal supplementation with fish-oil (FO), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), placebo or FO + 5-MTHF, as well as the role of fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster polymorphisms, on their offspring’s processing speed at later school age. This study was conducted in NUHEAL children at 7.5 (n = 143) and 9 years of age (n = 127). Processing speed tasks were assessed using Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Children Color Trails Test (CCTT) and Stroop Color andWord Test (SCWT). Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, folate and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels were determined at delivery from maternal and cord blood samples. FADS and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C > T genetic polymorphisms were analyzed. Mixed models (linear and logistic) were performed. There were significant differences in processing speed performance among children at different ages (p < 0.001). The type of prenatal supplementation had no effect on processing speed in children up to 9 years. Secondary exploratory analyses indicated that children born to mothers with higher AA/DHA ratio at delivery (p < 0.001) and heterozygotes for FADS1 rs174556 (p < 0.05) showed better performance in processing speed at 9 years. Negative associations between processing speed scores and maternal tHcy levels at delivery were found. Our findings suggest speed processing development in children up to 9 years could be related to maternal factors, including AA/DHA and tHcy levels, and their genetic background, mainly FADS polymorphism. These considerations support that maternal prenatal supplementation should be quantitatively adequate and individualized to obtain better brain development and mental performance in the offspring., European Commission 212652 007036 QLK1-CT-1999-00888, European Commission European Commission Joint Research Centre DYNAHEALTH-633595 Lifecycle-733206, European Research Council Advanced Grant META-GROWTH ERC-2012AdG 322605, Erasmus Plus Programme Early Nutrition eAcademy Southeast Asia 573651EPP-1-2016-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP, Erasmus Plus Programme Capacity Building to Improve Early Nutrition and Health in South Africa 598488-EPP-1-2018-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP, EU Interreg Programme Focus in CD-CE111, European Joint Programming Initiative Project NutriPROGRAM and EndObesity, German Ministry of Education and Research, Berlin 01 GI 0825, German Research Foundation (DFG) Ko912/12-1 INST 409/224-1 FUGG, Else Kroner-Fresenius-Foundation, LMU University Hospitals

The evolutional trajectory of gut microbial colonization from birth has been shown to prime for health later in life. Here, we combined cultivation-independent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metaproteomics to investigate the functional maturation of gut microbiota in faecal samples from full-term healthy infants collected at 6 and 18 months of age. Phylogenetic analysis of the metaproteomes showed that Bifidobacterium provided the highest number of distinct protein groups. Considerable divergences between taxa abundance and protein phylogeny were observed at all taxonomic ranks. Age had a profound effect on early microbiota where compositional and functional diversity of less dissimilar communities increased with time. Comparisons of the relative abundances of proteins revealed the transition of taxon-associated saccharolytic and fermentation strategies from milk and mucin-derived monosaccharide catabolism feeding acetate/propanoate synthesis to complex food-derived hexoses fuelling butanoate production. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis uncovered two anti-correlated modules of functional taxa. A low-connected Bifidobacteriaceae-centred guild of facultative anaerobes was succeeded by a rich club of obligate anaerobes densely interconnected around Lachnospiraceae, underpinning their pivotal roles in microbial ecosystem assemblies. Our findings establish a framework to visualize whole microbial community metabolism and ecosystem succession dynamics, proposing opportunities for microbiota-targeted health-promoting strategies early in life.

EVASYON Study Group., [Background & aims]: In recent years, obesity has reached alarming levels among children and adolescents. The study of plasma fatty acid (FA) composition, as a reflection of diet, and its associations with other parameters, that are closely linked to obesity and the cardiometabolic profile, may be useful for setting nutritional goals for obesity treatment and prevention. This study explored the relationship between plasma FA levels and body fat and cardiometabolic risk markers, in overweight adolescents. [Methods]: A multidisciplinary weight loss program was followed by 127 overweight and obese adolescents aged 12–17 years old. Plasma FA composition, anthropometric indicators of adiposity and biochemical parameters were analyzed at baseline, two months (the end of the intensive intervention phase) and six months (the end of the extensive phase). [Results]: While saturated fatty acid (SFA) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels decreased significantly during the intervention, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and n-3 PUFA showed the opposite trend. The decrease in SFA C14:0 was associated with a reduction in total and LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and insulin. The increase in MUFAs, especially C18:1n-9, was related to a reduction in weight, fat mass, fat mass index and glucose. Regarding PUFAs, changes in the n-3 series were not associated with any of the parameters studied, whereas the reduction in n-6 PUFAs was directly related to weight, fat mass, total and HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, glucose and insulin, and inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure. The adolescents with greater weight loss presented significant changes in MUFAs, n-6 PUFAs and C14:0. [Conclusions]: Modifications in plasma FA composition were associated with adiposity reduction and cardiometabolic profile improvement in an anti-obesity program aimed at adolescents. The changes observed in FA composition were related to the success of the treatment, since the individuals most affected by these variations were those who presented the greatest weight loss., This work is part of the EVASYON study funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumption (Carlos III Institute of Health. FIS. Grant PI 051579).

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: Lipids

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: Energy

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition : Standard versus individualized parenteral nutrition

International audience; Background: Previous guidelines on Paediatric Parenteral Nutrition (PN) were published in 2010, by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), supported by the European Society of Paediatric Research (ESPR) were published. The aim of the present paper was to provide up-to-date evidence for health professionals working with infants, children and adolescents receiving PN. Methods: The current document is a revision of the 2005 guidelines produced by the same 3 organizations (ESPEN, ESPGHAN, ESPR) together with the Chinese Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (CSPEN). Experts participating in the guideline updating process were all professionals with extensive experience in managing PN from a wide range of European countries, Israel and China. The guideline development process was coordinated by a guideline steering committee. Each chapter of the guideline was prepared by a separate author group. These author groups were responsible for screening titles and abstracts identified by a systematic literature search for inclusion, for conducting additional expert searches (including secondary sources such as other published valid guidelines), for evaluating the quality of studies included in the given chapter and assigning evidence levels to the literature. Based on the evidence level of included studies experts formulated and graded recommendations. A consensus conference was held in February 2015. All chapter manuscripts were revised following the recommendations of the consensus conference and then reviewed and edited by the project steering committee. Final consensus on each individual guideline and its individual recommendations was achieved and assessed by online voting. This process lasted until January 2018. Funding for the consensus conference (including travel expenses for participants) was provided by all participating societies. No other funding was received for the guideline updating process and participants received no payment. Support was provided by the Hungarian Cochrane organization. Results/conclusions: The present document provides guideline for the use of PN across the wide range of pediatric patients, ranging from extremely premature infants up to teenagers weighing up to and over 100 kg [1]. It covers their individual macro- and micronutrient needs [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], fluid requirements [9], venous access [10], organizational aspects [11], home parenteral nutrition [12], standardized vs. individualized PN [13], and last but not least a wide range of safety considerations for prevention and management of complications such central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)

Special thanks to all the parents who collaborated and granted their confidence upon the EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, University of Granada, the children for their patience and their smiles. Thanks to all the collaborators of the COGNIS-team, and Laboratorios Ordesa, S.L. for funding support., Functional nutrients like synbiotics or milk-fat globule membrane (MFGM) affect positively host immunity, modifying intestinal microbioma and reducing early childhood infections. We compared effects of an experimental enriched-infant formula with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, MFGM, synbiotics, sialic acid, nucleotides and gangliosides to a standard infant formula and breastfeeding regarding infections incidence and evolution in infants until 18 months of age. 170 healthy infants were enrolled in a RCT to receive either a bioactive functional nutrients enriched infant formula (EF, n = 85) or a standard formula (SF, n = 85). 50 breastfed (BF) infants were also enrolled. At age 12 months, EF group compared to SF and BF groups showed a lower incidence of infectious episodes. Moreover, they also presented less incidence of respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal infections than SF infants, reducing risk by 30.2% and 32.5%, respectively. Infants fed with an EF seem to have reduced incidence of certain infections at 12 months of age., Laboratorios Ordesa, S.L., COGNIS-team

BACKGROUND: During early life, dynamic gut colonization and brain development co-occur with potential cross-talk mechanisms affecting behaviour. METHODS: We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine the associations between gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III in 71 full-term healthy infants at 18 months of age. We hypothesized that children would differ in gut microbial diversity, enterotypes obtained by Dirichlet multinomial mixture analysis and specific taxa based on their behavioural characteristics. RESULTS: In children dichotomized by behavioural trait performance in above- and below-median groups, weighted Unifrac b-diversity exhibited significant differences in fine motor (FM) activity. Dirichlet multinomial mixture modelling identified two enterotypes strongly associated with FM outcomes. When controlling for maternal pre-gestational BMI and breastfeeding for up to 3 months, the examination of signature taxa in FM groups showed that Turicibacter and Parabacteroides were highly abundant in the below-median FM group, while Collinsella, Coprococcus, Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, Holdemanella, Propionibacterium, Roseburia, Veillonella, an unassigned genus within Veillonellaceae and, interestingly, probiotic Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were more abundant in the above-median FM group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between enterotypes and specific genera with FM activity and may represent an opportunity for probiotic interventions relevant to treatment for motor disorders., Spanish Ministry of Innovation and Science, Junta de Andalucía: Excellence Projects (P06-CTS-02341), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BFU2012-40254-C03-02) and partially funded by the European Commission MyNewGut FP7 EU Project (Grant agreement n◦ 613979), MyNewGut FP7 EU Project (Grant agreement n◦ 613979), DynaHEALTH EU Project HORIZON 2020 (Grant agreement n◦ : 633595-2), Marie Curie post-doctoral fellowship (FP7, no. 329812, NutriOmics), Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (FPU16/04587)

Introduction: Placental fatty acid (FA) uptake and metabolism depend on maternal supply which may be altered when women have a high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) or develop gestational diabetes (GDM). Consequently, an impaired FA transport to the fetus may negatively affect fetal development. While placental adaptation of maternal-fetal glucose transfer in mild GDM has been described, knowledge on placental FA acid metabolism and possible adaptations in response to maternal obesity or GDM is lacking. We aimed to analyze the FA composition and the expression of key genes involved in FA uptake and metabolism in placentas from women with pre-pregnancy normal weight (18.5 = 30 kg/m(2)), and lean pregnant women with GDM. Methods: Placental FA content was determined by gas liquid chromatography. Placental mRNA expression of FA transport proteins (FATPI, FATP4, FATP6), FA binding proteins (FABP3, FABP4, FABP7), FA translocase (FAT/CD36) and enzymes (Endothelial lipase (EL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL)) were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results: High pre-pregnancy BMI and GDM were associated with decreased placental FATP1, FATP4, EL and increased FAT/CD36 and FATP6 expressions. LPL mRNA levels and placental total FA content were similar among groups. Specific FA, including some long-chain polyunsaturated FA, were altered. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that high pre-pregnancy BMI or GDM independently alter mRNA expression levels of genes involved in FA uptake and metabolism and the placental FA profile, which could affect fetal development and long-term health. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk for obesity, but the mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood. Our study aimed to investigate differences in the functions encoded by the microbiome of infants at 18 months of age when the transition from early infant-feeding to solid family foods is established. To investigate the impact of maternal prepregnancy body mass index on infants’ gut microbiome, faecal samples from infants born to normoweight (n = 21) and obese mothers (n = 18) were analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and a functional-inference-based microbiome analysis. Our results indicated that Firmicutes was significantly enriched in infants born to normoweight mothers whereas Bacteroidetes was significantly enriched in infants born to obese women. In both microbiomes, the greatest number of genes (>50%) that were assigned a function encoded for proteins involved in “metabolism” among tier 1 KEGG Orthology (KO) categories. At lower KO functional categories, the microbiome of infants born to normoweight mothers was characterized by a significant enrichment in the abundances of “pentose phosphate pathway” (p = 0.037), “lysine biosynthesis” (p = 0.043), “glycerolipid metabolism” (p = 0.042), and “C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism” (p = 0.045). Notably, the microbiome of infants born to obese mothers was significantly enriched in “streptomycin biosynthesis” (p = 0.047), “sulphur metabolism” (p = 0.041), “taurine and hypotaurine metabolism” (p = 0.036), and “lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis” (p = 0.043). In summary, our study showed that maternal prepregnancy obesity may imprint a selective gut microbial composition during late infancy with distinct functional performances.

Recent evidence has disclosed a connection between gut microbial glycosidase activity and adiposity in obese. Here, we measured microbial α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activities and sorted fluorescently labeled β-galactosidase containing (βGAL) microorganisms in faecal samples of eight lean and thirteen obese adolescents that followed a controlled calorie restriction program during one year. β-galactosidase is a highly distributed functional trait, mainly expressed by members of Blautia, Bacteroides, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter and Propionibacterium. Only long-term calorie restriction induced clear changes in the microbiota of obese adolescents. Long-term calorie restriction induced significant shifts in total and βGAL gut microbiota, reducing the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio and enhancing the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as Bacteroides, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium and Clostridium XIVa. Moreover, the structure and composition of βGAL community in obese after long-term calorie restriction was highly similar to that of lean adolescents. However, despite this high compositional similarity, microbial metabolic performance was different, split in two metabolic states at a body mass index value of 25. Our study shows that calorie restriction is a strong environmental force reshaping gut microbiota though its metabolic performance is linked to host's adiposity, suggesting that functional redundancy and metabolic plasticity are fundamental properties of gut microbial ecosystem.

ObjectiveTypically, attention focuses on how nutrition affects physical health. The present study investigated the importance that parents attach to the impact of diet on mental performance when choosing food for their child.DesignQuestionnaire.SettingFour European countries.SubjectsParents of children aged 4–10 years (n 1574): England (n 397), Germany (n 389), Hungary (n 398) and Spain (n 390).ResultsMost parents (80–85 %) considered the effect of food on four elements of mental performance (child’s ability to learn, attention, behaviour, mood) to be moderately, very, extremely (v. slightly, not at all) important in food choices; over 90 % considered healthiness of food and making food appealing to their child important; 79·8 % cost; 76·8 % convenience. Belief that food affects mental performance was 57·4 % (ability to learn), 60·5 % (attention); less than 40 % of parents agreed they were aware which foods had an effect. Parents with lower general interest in healthy eating were less likely to consider the effect of food on mental performance elements as important. Respondents from Germany were more likely to rate mental performance as important (except behaviour); those in Hungary less likely. The most important influence on parents’ decisions about feeding their child was their own experience, except Spain, where family/friends/health professionals were more important.ConclusionsNutrition affects brain development and cognitive functioning. Low prioritisation of the effect of food on mental performance indicates potential for educating parents.

Background In 2010, the diagnosis and treatment of IgE-mediated CMA were systematized in a GRADE guideline.Objectives & methods After 6 years, the state of the knowledge in diagnosis and treatment of CMA has largely evolved. We summarize here the main advances, and exemplify indicating some specific points: studies aimed at better knowledge of the effects of breastfeeding and the production of new special formulae intended for the treatment of CMA. The literature (PubMed/MEDLINE) was searched using the following algorithms: (1) [milk allergy] AND diagnosis; (2) [milk allergy] AND [formul*] OR [breast*], setting the search engine [6-years] time and [human] limits. The authors drew on their collective clinical experience to restrict retrieved studies to those of relevance to a pediatric allergy practice.Results Several clinical studies did address the possibility to diagnose CMA using new tools in vitro and in vivo, or to diagnose it without any evaluation of sensitization. Some studies also addressed the clinical role of formulae based on milk hydrolysates, soy, or rice hydrolysates in the treatment of CMA. Many studies have elucidated the effects of selective nutrients in breastfed infants on their immunologic and neurologic characteristics.Conclusions Evidence-based diagnostic criteria should be identified for non-IgE-mediated CMA. Debate is ongoing about the best substitute for infants with CMA. In particular, Hydrolyzed Rice Formulae have been widely assessed in the last six years. In the substitute choice, clinicians should be aware of recent studies that can modify the interpretation of the current recommendations. New systematic reviews and metanalyses are needed to confirm or modify the current DRACMA recommendations. Keywords: Cow’s milk allergy, Infants, DRACMA guidelines

Background There are critical periods during pregnancy and early life when child's neurodevelopment can be altered, where different factors including hormones, stress, genetics, and diet have an important role. Novel studies are indicating that also gut microbiota and maternal obesity can influence child's neurodevelopment. Scope and approach This review summarises the current concepts related to microbiota-gut-brain axis, including microbiota modulation of the eating behaviour, child's cognitive function and brain structure, microbiota analysis techniques and neurodevelopment assessment in children. Further, we propose and present knowledge about potential mechanisms of action and ways to intervene for disease prevention and treatments, opening up an exciting area with important medical and industrial applications. Key findings and conclusions This novel and fast developing research area is indicating that gut microbiota in association with body weight might have an important impact on foetal and child neurodevelopment. However, the exact mechanisms are not known and further research in the field is warranted. Within the MyNewGut Project we aim to analyse the impact of microbiota in association with body weight on cognitive and behaviour development in children. We will study the phylogeny and function of the gut microbial communities in overweight, obese and gestational diabetes pregnancies and in their progeny, in association with infants and children's cognitive and behavioural outcomes. As well, the impact of gut microbiome on brain structure and function during childhood will be evaluated. Results from this study will shed light on the impact of maternal and offspring gut microbiome and body weight on child's neurodevelopment, brain structure and function, and will suggest potential mechanisms for intervention.

Postnatal nutrition is essential for growth and neurodevelopment. We analyzed the influence of a new enriched-infant formula with bioactive compounds on growth, neurodevelopment, and visual function (VF) in healthy infants during their first 18 months of life. A total of 170 infants were randomized in the COGNIS randomized clinical trial (RCT) to receive a standard infant formula (SF = 85) or a new experimental infant formula supplemented with functional nutrients (EF = 85). As a control, 50 breastfed infants (BF) were enrolled. Growth patterns were evaluated up to 18 months of life, neurodevelopment was assessed by general movements at 2, 3, and 4 months, VF was measured by cortical visual evoked potentials at 3 and 12 months. No differences in growth and neurodevelopment were found between groups. Regarding VF, SF and EF infants presented prolonged latencies and lower amplitudes in the P100 wave than BF infants. In the EF group, a higher percentage of infants presented response at 7&frac12, 'of arc at 12 months compared to 3 months of age, a similar proportion of BF and EF infants presented responses at 7&frac12, 'of arc at 12 months of age. Early nutritional intervention with bioactive compounds could narrow the gap in growth and neurodevelopment between breastfed and formula-fed infants.

This study analyzed how maternal obesity affected fatty acids (FAs) in breast milk and their association with infant growth and cognition to raise awareness about the programming effect of maternal health and to promote a healthy prenatal weight. Mother&ndash, child pairs (n = 78) were grouped per maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): normal-weight (BMI = 18.5&ndash, 24.99), overweight (BMI = 25&ndash, 29.99) and obese (BMI &gt, 30). Colostrum and mature milk FAs were determined. Infant anthropometry at 6, 18 and 36 months of age and cognition at 18 were analyzed. Mature milk exhibited lower arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among others, than colostrum. Breast milk of non-normal weight mothers presented increased saturated FAs and n6:n3 ratio and decreased &alpha, linolenic acid (ALA), DHA and monounsaturated FAs. Infant BMI-for-age at 6 months of age was inversely associated with colostrum n6 (e.g., AA) and n3 (e.g., DHA) FAs and positively associated with n6:n3 ratio. Depending on the maternal weight, infant cognition was positively influenced by breast milk linoleic acid, n6 PUFAs, ALA, DHA and n3 LC-PUFAs, and negatively affected by n6:n3 ratio. In conclusion, this study shows that maternal pre-pregnancy BMI can influence breast milk FAs and infant growth and cognition, endorsing the importance of a healthy weight in future generations.

Disturbances of diet during pregnancy and early postnatal life may impact colonization of gut microbiota during early life, which could influence infant health, leading to potential long-lasting consequences later in life. This is a nonsystematic review that explores the recent scientific literature to provide a general perspective of this broad topic. Several studies have shown that gut microbiota composition is related to changes in metabolism, energy balance, and immune system disturbances through interaction between microbiota metabolites and host receptors by the gut-brain axis. Moreover, recent clinical studies suggest that an intestinal dysbiosis in gut microbiota may result in cognitive disorders and behavioral problems. Furthermore, recent research in the field of brain imaging focused on the study of the relationship between gut microbial ecology and large-scale brain networks, which will help to decipher the influence of the microbiome on brain function and potentially will serve to identify multiple mediators of the gut-brain axis. Thus, knowledge about optimal nutrition by modulating gut microbiota-brain axis activity will allow a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the developing brain during critical windows. In addition, this knowledge will open new avenues for developing novel microbiota-modulating based diet interventions during pregnancy and early life to prevent metabolic disorders, as well as neurodevelopmental deficits and brain functional disorders.

We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCT) of increased intake of arachidonic acid (ARA) on fatty acid status and health outcomes in humans. We identified twenty-two articles from fourteen RCT. Most studies were conducted in adults. These used between 80 and 2000 mg ARA per d and were of 1–12 weeks duration. Supplementation with ARA doses as low as 80 mg/d increased the content of ARA in different blood fractions. Overall there seem to be few marked benefits for adults of increasing ARA intake from the typical usual intake of 100–200 mg/d to as much as 1000 mg/d; the few studies using higher doses (1500 or 2000 mg/d) also report little benefit. However, there may be an impact of ARA on cognitive and muscle function which could be particularly relevant in the ageing population. The studies reviewed here suggest no adverse effects in adults of increased ARA intake up to at least 1000–1500 mg/d on blood lipids, platelet aggregation and blood clotting, immune function, inflammation or urinary excretion of ARA metabolites. However, in many areas there are insufficient studies to make firm conclusions, and higher intakes of ARA are deserving of further study. Based on the RCT reviewed, there are not enough data to make any recommendations for specific health effects of ARA intake.

The EVASYON Study Group., [Background & aim]: A diet quality index (DQI) is a tool that provides an overall score of an individual's dietary intake when assessing compliance with food-based dietary guidelines. A number of DQIs have emerged, albeit their associations with health-related outcomes are debated. The aim of the present study was to assess whether adherence to dietary intervention, and the overall quality of the diet, can predict body composition changes., [Methods]: To this purpose, overweight/obese adolescents (n = 117, aged: 13–16 years; 51 males, 66 females) were recruited into a multi-component (diet, physical activity and psychological support) family-based group treatment programme. We measured the adolescents' compliance and body composition at baseline and after 2 months (intensive phase) and 13 months (extensive phase) of follow-up. Also, at baseline, after 6 months, and at the end of follow-up we calculated the DQI., [Results]: Global compliance with the dietary intervention was 37.4% during the intensive phase, and 14.3% during the extensive phase. Physical activity compliance was 94.1% at 2-months and 34.7% at 13months and psychological support compliance were growing over the intervention period (10.3% intensive phase and 45.3% during extensive phase). Adolescents complying with the meal frequency criteria at the end of the extensive phase had greater reductions in FMI z-scores than those did not complying (Cohen's d = 0.53). A statistically significant association was observed with the diet quality index. DQI-A variation explained 98.1% of BMI z-score changes and 95.1% of FMI changes., [Conclusions]: We conclude that assessment of changes in diet quality could be a useful tool in predicting body composition changes in obese adolescents involved in a diet and physical activity intervention programme backed-up by psychological and family support., The study was supported by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality via the Carlos III Institute of Health (FIS Grant PI051080, PI051579). The EVASYON study received the award for the best applied research project in 2009 from AESAN (Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition from the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. The study was supported by Aragon's Regional Government (DGA, Diputación General de Aragón) and European Regional Development Fund.

Polymorphisms in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes influence the arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid concentrations (crucial in early life). Infants with specific genotypes may require different amounts of these fatty acids (FAs) to maintain an adequate status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an infant formula supplemented with AA and DHA on FAs of infants with different FADS genotypes. In total, 176 infants from the COGNIS study were randomly allocated to the Standard Formula (SF, n = 61) or the Experimental Formula (EF, n = 70) group, the latter supplemented with AA and DHA. Breastfed infants were added as a reference group (BF, n = 45). FAs and FADS polymorphisms were analyzed from cheek cells collected at 3 months of age. FADS minor allele carriership in formula fed infants, especially those supplemented, was associated with a declined desaturase activity and lower AA and DHA levels. Breastfed infants were not affected, possibly to the high content of AA and DHA in breast milk. The supplementation increased AA and DHA levels, but mostly in major allele carriers. In conclusion, infant FADS genotype could contribute to narrow the gap of AA and DHA concentrations between breastfed and formula fed infants.

Obesity is a global pandemic complex to treat due to its multifactorial pathogenesis—an unhealthy lifestyle, neuronal and hormonal mechanisms, and genetic and epigenetic factors are involved. Scientific evidence supports the idea that obesity and metabolic consequences are strongly related to changes in both the function and composition of gut microbiota, which exert an essential role in modulating energy metabolism. Modifications of gut microbiota composition have been associated with variations in body weight and body mass index. Lifestyle modifications remain as primary therapy for obesity and related metabolic disorders. New therapeutic strategies to treat/prevent obesity have been proposed, based on pre- and/or probiotic modulation of gut microbiota to mimic that found in healthy non-obese subjects. Based on human and animal studies, this review aimed to discuss mechanisms through which gut microbiota could act as a key modifier of obesity and related metabolic complications. Evidence from animal studies and human clinical trials suggesting potential beneficial effects of prebiotic and various probiotic strains on those physical, biochemical, and metabolic parameters related to obesity is presented. As a conclusion, a deeper knowledge about pre-/probiotic mechanisms of action, in combination with adequately powered, randomized controlled follow-up studies, will facilitate the clinical application and development of personalized healthcare strategies., Supported by funds from European Union 7th FP KBBE.2013.2.2-02—MyNewGut Project (“Factors influencing the human gut microbiome and its effect on the development of diet-related diseases and brain development”, Grant Agreement 613979) and from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness GD-Brain Projects (SAF2015-69265-c2.2).

Offspring of mothers suffering from obesity and/or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were reported to be at risk of higher birth weight (BW), later obesity and diabetes. We hypothesize that infant anthropometry changes related to maternal pathological status are due to dysregulated infant metabolism. First, we inspected differences in BMI z-scores (z-BMI) between three infant groups: born to normal weight (NW; n = 49), overweight/obese (OV/OB; n = 40) and GDM mothers (n = 27) at birth and 1 year. Then, we inspected associations between cord blood metabolites and 1-year Δ z-BMI in the three infant groups at birth and 1 year. No statistically significant difference was detected in z-BMI between the study groups at birth; however, GDM was associated with heavier infants at 1 year. Regarding the associations between the metabolites and z-BMI, phospholipids, especially those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, were the species most impacted by the maternal metabolic status, since numerous phosphatidylcholines–PUFA were positively associated with z-BMI in NW but negatively in OV/OB and GDM groups at birth. Conversely, the sum of lysophosphatidylcholines was only positively associated with z-BMI in NW at birth but of no relation in the other two groups. At 1 year, most of the associations seen at birth were reversed in NW and lost in OV/OB and GDM groups. In the NW group, PC-PUFA were found to be negatively associated with Δ z-BMI at 1 year in addition to some medium-chain acylcarnitines, tricarboxylic acid metabolites, Asp and Asn-to-Asp ratio. In OV/OB and GDM groups, the non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA26:0) and His correlated with Δ z-BMI at 1 year in negative and positive directions, respectively. GDM was associated with overweight in offspring at 1 year, independent of the BW with lack of evidence on existing correlation of this finding with metabolic alterations detected in cord blood metabolome. Associations were found between cord blood metabolites and infant anthropometry at birth and were influenced by maternal OB and GDM. However, an extension of the findings monitored at birth among the three groups was not detected longitudinally showing a lack of predictive power of cord blood metabolome for later development at least 1 year.

This project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 633595

The gut microbiota coexists in partnership with the human host through adaptations to environmental and physiological changes that help maintain dynamic homeostatic healthy states. Break-down of this delicate balance under sustained exposure to stressors (e.g. unhealthy diets) can, however, contribute to the onset of disease. Diet is a key modifiable environmental factor that modulates the gut microbiota and its metabolic capacities that, in turn, could impact human physiology. On this basis, the diet and the gut microbiota could act as synergistic forces that provide resilience against disease or that speed the progress from health to disease states. Associations between unhealthy dietary patterns, non-communicable diseases and intestinal dysbiosis can be explained by this hypothesis. Translational studies showing that dietary-induced alterations in microbial communities recapitulate some of the pathological features of the original host further support this notion. In this introductory paper by the European project MyNewGut, we briefly summarize the investigations conducted to better understand the role of dietary patterns and food components in metabolic and mental health and the specificities of the microbiome-mediating mechanisms. We also discuss how advances in the understanding of the microbiome's role in dietary health effects can help to provide acceptable scientific grounds on which to base dietary advice for promoting healthy living., The MyNewGut project is financially supported by a grant within the EU 7th Framework Programme under Grant Agreement 613979. The EU is not liable for the content presented in this publication. MO is a beneficiary of a >MOVE-IN Louvain> (incoming Post-Doctoral Fellowship co-funded by the Marie Curie Actions of the European).

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition : Home parenteral nutrition

ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition : Fluid and electrolytes

Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were frequently reported to be risk factors for obesity and diabetes in offspring. Our goal was to study the impact of maternal prepregnancy BMI (pBMI) and GDM on both maternal and cord blood metabolic profiles. We used LC–MS/MS to measure 201 metabolites comprising phospholipids (PL), amino acids, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), organic acids, acyl carnitines (AC), and Krebs cycle metabolites in maternal plasma at delivery and cord plasma obtained from 325 PREOBE study participants. Several metabolites were associated with pBMI/GDM in both maternal and cord blood (p

The aim of the present article was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of available scientific evidence regarding the role of different intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE) in the pathogenesis of cholestasis and parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease. A systematic review of the literature (up to March 2015) identified 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Of these, 17 were performed in preterm infants or critically ill neonates with a short duration of intervention, 2 in older children with short-term use (following surgery or bone marrow transplantation), 1 in neonates with long-term use, and 3 in infants and children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Meta-analysis showed no differences in the rate of cholestasis or bilirubin levels associated with short-term use of different ILEs. Because of high heterogeneity of the long-term studies no meta-analysis could be performed. Available studies found that the use of multicomponent fish oil (FO)-containing ILE compared with pure soya bean oil (SO), ILE-reduced liver enzymes, and bilirubin levels in noncholestatic children on long-term PN and one other RCT found that FO-based ILE-reversed cholestasis in a proportion of patients. The ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition concludes that there is no evidence of a difference in rates of cholestasis or bilirubin levels between different ILE for short-term use in neonates. The use of multicomponent FO-containing ILE may contribute to a decrease in total bilirubin levels in children with IF on prolonged PN. Well-designed RCTs are, however, lacking and long-term effects have not been determined.

SummaryBackground Shorter telomeres have been associated with elevated risk for age-related diseases. However, little is known about the biomarker role of telomere length (TL) for predicting inflammation and glucose alterations. Objective The objective of this research is to evaluate the association between TL, inflammatory markers and glucose levels after a 2-month weight-loss programme in obese adolescents. Methods Telomere length was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 66 obese adolescents aged 12–17 years (51% men) from the EVASYON programme. The adolescents were genotyped for the polymorphism -174G/C (rs1800795) in the IL-6gene, and anthropometric and biochemical markers as well as inflammatory cytokines were analysed. Results Multiple-adjusted models showed that longer telomeres at baseline were associated with a higher reduction in glucose (B = −4.08, 95% confidence interval: −6.66 to −1.50) and IL-6 (B = −1.03, 95% confidence interval: −2.01 to −0.05) serum levels after 2 months of the weight-loss treatment. The -174G/C polymorphism modulated the association between basal TL and changes in IL-6 (P interaction = 0.029). Thus, subjects with the GG + GC genotype and with longer telomeres showed a higher decrease in IL-6 levels than CC homozygotes. Conclusion Longer telomeres are associated with an improvement in glucose tolerance and inflammation after a weight-loss programme in obese adolescents. Moreover, the -174G/C polymorphism may influence the relationship between TL and IL-6 changes.

Although the impact of diet on physical health is an important public health issue, less attention has been devoted to the relationship between nutrition and children’s mental development. The views of parents and teachers about the extent to which diet affects physical and mental development of children were compared in four European countries. An online questionnaire (developed in English and translated) was circulated through a market research agency. Participants were parents or teachers of children aged 4–10 years without learning or behavioural issues. Questionnaires were returned by 1606 parents (401 in England, Germany and Hungary; 403 in Spain) and 403 teachers (100 in each country, except for 103 in Hungary). Teachers were older than parents (35·3 % v. 18·3 % over 45 years; Pv. 26·3 %, Pv. moderately/slightly/not at all) on diet (overall 79·8 %). Lower proportions of both groups thought that mental development was very much/extremely influenced by diet (67·4 %). In the regression modelling, believing that physical and mental performance was greatly influenced by diet was significantly and positively associated with living in Hungary, scoring higher on a measure of General Health Interest and (parents only) level of education attained. Differences existed among countries in most views. Lower levels of awareness of the importance of diet for brain development and cognition (compared with physical health outcomes) indicate the potential for educating consumers, especially parents with lower educational attainment.

Introduction We aimed to assess longitudinal changes in television (TV) food advertising during 2013 compared to 2007, measuring children's exposure to healthy and unhealthy advertisements, after the new European and Spanish Public Health laws published in 2011. Material and methods Two thematic channels for children (TC), and 2 generalist channels (GC) for all ages were recorded, between April and May 2013, on 2 week and 2 weekend days. Food advertisements were classified as core (CFA) (nutrient dense, low energy), non-core (NCFA) (unbalanced energy profile or high in energy), or others (OFA) (supermarkets and special food). Results One thousand two hundred sixty-three food advertisements were recorded (TC: 579/GC: 684) in 2013. NCFA were the most shown (54.9%) in the regular full day TV programming (p < 0.001). In 2013, children watching GC had a higher relative risk of being exposed to fast food advertisements than when watching TC (RR = 2.133, 95% CI: 1.398–3.255); CFA were broadcast most frequently in 2013 (GC: 23.7%; and TC: 47.2%) vs. 2007 (TC: 22.9%) (p < 0.001). The proportion of broadcasting between NCFA/CFA and OFA food advertisements in children's peak time slots was higher on TC (203/162) during 2013 than on GC (189/140), and significantly higher than that shown on TC in 2007 (180/36, p < 0.001). Conclusions Broadcasting of unhealthy TV food advertising on TC is lower today than six years ago; but, children's exposure to TV advertising of unhealthy food is worrying in Spain, and there is more exposure to unhealthy than healthy food by TV. Watching GC in 2013 had higher risk of being exposed to fast food advertisements than watching TC.