Popis: |
IntroductionIngestion of human milk (HM) is identified as a significant factor associated with early infant gut microbial colonization, which has been associated with infant health and development. Maternal diet has been associated with the HM microbiome (HMM). However, a few studies have explored the associations among maternal diet, HMM, and infant growth during the first 6 months of lactation.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, Mam-Mayan mother-infant dyads (n = 64) were recruited from 8 rural communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala at two stages of lactation: early (6–46 days postpartum, n = 29) or late (109–184 days postpartum, n = 35). Recruited mothers had vaginally delivered singleton births, had no subclinical mastitis or antibiotic treatments, and breastfed their infants. Data collected at both stages of lactation included two 24-h recalls, milk samples, and infant growth status indicators: head-circumference-for-age-z-score (HCAZ), length-for-age-z-score (LAZ), and weight-for-age-z-score (WAZ). Infants were divided into subgroups: normal weight (WAZ ≥ −1SD) and mildly underweight (WAZ |