Effect of postpartum probiotic supplementation on breastmilk composition and infant health: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
4 affiliations
- 1Pediatric Department, Hengyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hengyang, 421000, China.
- 2Department of Radiology, Childrens Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
- 3Pediatric Department, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China.
- 4Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99, Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, 221000, China. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
Breast milk is the optimal infant nutrition, and its composition is influenced by maternal factors including supplement intake. This study aimed to investigate the effects of postpartum probiotic supplementation on breast milk composition and infant health outcomes.Methods
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 56 mother‑infant pairs. Using SPSS software-generated sequences, 56 pairs of healthy mothers and infants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a 30‑day probiotic supplement (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus) or an identical-appearing placebo. Neither the investigators, nursing staff, nor outcome assessors were aware of the group assignments. The primary outcome measures were changes in breast milk nutritional components (energy, protein, lipids) and antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity-TAC, malondialdehyde-MDA). Infant growth parameters (length, weight, head circumference) served as key secondary outcome measures.Results
All 56 participants (28 per group) were included in the analysis. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic group demonstrated significant increases in breast milk energy (P < 0.05), protein (P = 0.04), and lipid content (P < 0.05). Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic group had significantly higher TAC levels, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity, and lower MDA levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Infants in the probiotic group also had significantly greater weekly gains in length (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), and head circumference (P < 0.05).Conclusion
This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that postpartum probiotic supplementation may be associated with beneficial changes in breast milk composition and antioxidant status.
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BibTeX
@article{zhou2026effect,
title = {{Effect of postpartum probiotic supplementation on breastmilk composition and infant health: a pilot randomized controlled trial.}},
author = {Ning Zhou and Yushuang Ding and Yuzhu Han and Na Li},
journal = {BMC pediatrics},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12887-026-07357-6},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42972537},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effect of postpartum probiotic supplementation on breastmilk composition and infant health: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
AU - Ning Zhou
AU - Yushuang Ding
AU - Yuzhu Han
AU - Na Li
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/04
JO - BMC pediatrics
DO - 10.1186/s12887-026-07357-6
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42972537
AB - Background Breast milk is the optimal infant nutrition, and its composition is influenced by maternal factors including supplement intake. This study aimed to investigate the effects of postpartum probiotic supplementation on breast milk composition and infant health outcomes.Methods This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 56 mother‑infant pairs. Using SPSS software-generated sequences, 56 pairs of healthy mothers and infants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a 30‑day probiotic supplement (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus) or an identical-appearing placebo. Neither the investigators, nursing staff, nor outcome assessors were aware of the group assignments. The primary outcome measures were changes in breast milk nutritional components (energy, protein, lipids) and antioxidant status (total antioxidant capacity-TAC, malondialdehyde-MDA). Infant growth parameters (length, weight, head circumference) served as key secondary outcome measures.Results All 56 participants (28 per group) were included in the analysis. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic group demonstrated significant increases in breast milk energy (P < 0.05), protein (P = 0.04), and lipid content (P < 0.05). Compared to the placebo group, the probiotic group had significantly higher TAC levels, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity, and lower MDA levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Infants in the probiotic group also had significantly greater weekly gains in length (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), and head circumference (P < 0.05).Conclusion This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that postpartum probiotic supplementation may be associated with beneficial changes in breast milk composition and antioxidant status.
SN - 1471-2431
ER -