Milk-Phospholipid Coated Lipid Droplets Modulate the Infant Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Influencing Weight Gain

Title: Milk-Phospholipid Coated Lipid Droplets Modulate the Infant Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Influencing Weight Gain

Aligned with the World Health Organization’s view on the importance of breastfeeding for infant health, Danone Research & Innovation (R&I) advocates for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by sustained breastfeeding alongside complementary foods. By leveraging our expertise, we develop innovative nutritional solutions to guide and support breastfeeding mothers.​

Lipids in human milk are encapsulated within large Milk Fat Globules (MFGs). These globules, produced in the mammary glands, are complex in both their structure and composition. They are also substantial in size, measuring approximately 4 micrometres. In contrast, the lipid droplets present in standard infant formula are typically 5-10 fold smaller, differing significantly in their structural and compositional attributes. Previous studies have shown that formula-fed infants exhibit a higher propensity for developing obesity in later life compared to their breastfed counterparts. This correlation is further underscored by well-established differences in the gut microbiota colonization patterns between the two groups.¹Horta, B.L., Loret De Mola, C., and Victora, C.G. (2015). Long-term consequences of breastfeeding on cholesterol, obesity, systolic blood pressure and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and … Continue reading ²Zheng, M., Lamb, K.E., Grimes, C., Laws, R., Bolton, K., Ong, K.K., and Campbell, K.(2018). Rapid weight gain during infancy and subsequent adiposity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of … Continue reading

In this multicenter clinical study, which was randomized, double-blind, and controlled, researchers from Danone R&I investigated the potential effects of an innovative formula developed via the NUTURIS® process. This formula for infants, containing large milk phospholipid-coated lipid droplets and dairy lipids, mimics the lipid size, composition and MFG structure naturally present in human milk more closely than any other formula available.​

The researchers focused on determining whether the innovative formula had an effect on the maturation of the intestinal microbiota, its biochemical interaction with the host, and plasma metabolism. Additionally, they examined its impact on infant weight gain and body composition during the first year of life compared to standard formula for infants. ​³Breij, L.M., Abrahamse-Berkeveld, M., Vandenplas, Y., Jespers, S.N.J., De Mol, A.C., Khoo, P.C., Kalenga, M., Peeters, S., Van Beek, R.H.T., Norbruis, O.F., et al. (2019). An infant formula with … Continue reading

Their findings suggest that the formula developed via the NUTURIS® process has several beneficial effects. Firstly, it restricts the growth of opportunistic pathogens. Secondly, it modulates the gut microbiota in a way that resembles that of breastfed infants. Thirdly, it modulates the metabolic function of the gut microbiota and its biochemical interactions with the host. Fourthly, it modulates plasma lipid metabolism, bringing it closer to that observed in breastfed infants. Lastly, it has a positive influence on the body composition of the infant. These effects could potentially support long-term health benefits, such as enhanced growth patterns and reduced likelihood of obesity and type-2 diabetes development in later life.​

​Read the full study here: Milk phospholipid-coated lipid droplets modulate the infant gut microbiota and metabolome influencing weight gain. Microbiome 13, 120 (2025). 
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For more NUTURIS-related studies: Human Milk Research