This study investigates the impact of a synbiotic-supplemented young child formula on gut microbiota composition and iron status in healthy toddlers. Conducted as part of the CHaRM study, the trial compared fortified formula with unfortified cow's milk in 29 children aged 1–2 years. The fortified formula contained reduced protein, added Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and key micronutrients. Results showed improved iron status and increased Bifidobacterium abundance in the fortified group, with a positive correlation between gut microbiota changes and iron markers. The findings highlight the potential benefits of synbiotic supplementation for gut and micronutrient health in toddlers.

This article is reused under a Creative Commons license from: Chew, C., Matsuyama, M., Davies, P.S.W., Hill, R.J., Morrison, M., Martin, R., Codoñer, F.M., Knol, J., and Roeselers, G. A young child formula supplemented with a synbiotic mixture of scGOS/lcFOS and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V improves the gut microbiota and iron status in healthy toddlers. Frontiers in Pediatrics. DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1193027. No changes were made to the article.