Effects of probiotics combined with breastfeeding on intestinal colonization and the risk of allergic diseases in newborns delivered by cesarean section: a 5-year follow-up study

Jing-Jing MA, Qiao-Fang LIU, Li-Na ZHAO, Xiao-Hui ZHAO, Huan-Huan LIU

Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (2) : 199-205.

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (2) : 199-205. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2507044
CLINICAL RESEARCH

Effects of probiotics combined with breastfeeding on intestinal colonization and the risk of allergic diseases in newborns delivered by cesarean section: a 5-year follow-up study

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of probiotics combined with breastfeeding on intestinal colonization and the risk of allergic diseases in cesarean-delivered newborns. Methods A prospective cohort of 176 cesarean-delivered mothers and newborns admitted to Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 was enrolled, and the newborns were followed for 5 years. According to feeding practice, infants were divided into a breastfed group and a combined group (breastfeeding plus probiotics). Follow-up outcomes were compared between groups. Results Eighty-eight infants were enrolled in each group; 13 were lost to follow-up in the breastfed group and 7 in the combined group. At ages 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, fecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels were higher in the combined group than in the breastfed group (P<0.05). Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, and IgG levels were higher in the combined group than in the breastfed group (P<0.05). At ages 3, 4, and 5 years, height and weight were higher in the combined group (P<0.05). The overall incidence of allergic diseases was lower in the combined group than in the breastfed group (P<0.05). At age 5 years, fine motor scores were higher in the combined group (P<0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, the combination of probiotics and breastfeeding was a protective factor for allergic diseases (OR=0.267, P<0.05), whereas family history of allergic diseases was a risk factor (OR=3.611, P<0.05). Conclusions Among cesarean-delivered newborns, the combination of probiotics and breastfeeding positively modulates the gut microbiota, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhances immunity, and reduces the risk of allergic diseases.

Key words

Allergic disease / Probiotic / Breastfeeding / Cesarean section / Intestinal flora colonization / Newborn

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Jing-Jing MA , Qiao-Fang LIU , Li-Na ZHAO , et al . Effects of probiotics combined with breastfeeding on intestinal colonization and the risk of allergic diseases in newborns delivered by cesarean section: a 5-year follow-up study[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2026, 28(2): 199-205 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2507044

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