Defining the Relationship of Gut Microbiota, Immunity, and Cognition in Early Life-A Narrative Review.

Recently, the immune system has been identified as one of the possible main bridges which connect the gut-brain axis. This review aims to examine available evidence on the microbiota-immunity-cognitive relationship and its possible effects on human health early in life. This review was assembled by compiling and analyzing various literature and publications that document the gut microbiota-immune system-cognition interaction and its implications in the pediatric population. This review shows that the gut microbiota is a pivotal component of gut physiology, with its development being influenced by a variety of factors and, in return, supports the development of overall health. Findings from current research focus on the complex relationship between the central nervous system, gut (along with gut microbiota), and immune cells, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced interaction among these systems for preserving homeostasis, and demonstrating the influence of gut microbes on neurogenesis, myelin formation, the potential for dysbiosis, and alterations in immune and cognitive functions. While limited, evidence shows how gut microbiota affects innate and adaptive immunity as well as cognition (through HPA axis, metabolites, vagal nerve, neurotransmitter, and myelination).

The Impact of Air Pollution on Gut Microbiota and Children's Health: An Expert Consensus.

Air pollution is an unseen threat to children's health because it may increase the risk of respiratory infection, atopy, and asthma, and also alter gut microbiota compositions. The impact of air pollution on children's health has not been firmly established. A literature review followed by a series of discussions among experts were performed to develop a theoretical framework on how air pollution could affect various bodily organs and functions in children. We invited experts from different backgrounds, such as paediatricians, nutritionists, environmental health experts, and occupational health experts, to provide their views on this matter. This report summarizes the discussion of multidisciplinary experts on the impact of air pollution on children's health. The report begins with a review of air pollution's impact on allergy and immunology, neurodevelopment, and cardiometabolic risks, and ends with the conceptualization of a theoretical framework. While the allergic and immunological pathway is one of the most significant pathways for air pollution affecting children's health in which microbiotas also play a role, several pathways have been proposed regarding the ability to affect neurodevelopment and cardiometabolic risk. Further research is required to confirm the link between air pollution and the gut microbiota pathway.

The Road to Healthy Ageing: What Has Indonesia Achieved So Far?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that the world should prepare for an aging society. As the fourth most populous country in the world, the elderly population in Indonesia is also continuously growing. In 2010, the proportion of the elderly group was merely 5%, and it is expected to increase to 11% in 2035. Understanding the current situation of the adult population in Indonesia would be crucial to prepare for the future aging population. This article analyzed the current socio-demographic status, nutrition status, nutrient intake, and health profile of the current Indonesian adult population through a literature review. The key issues to prepare for healthy aging in Indonesia are summarized. Acknowledging the profile of the adult and senior adult population in Indonesia will provide beneficial information for all stakeholders in preparing Indonesia for a better healthy aging population with improved quality of life.

Dietary Determinants of Anemia in Children Aged 6-36 Months: A Cross-Sectional Study in Indonesia.

Anemia has been acknowledged as worldwide problem, including in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study aims to explore dietary determinants as risk factors for anemia in children aged 6-36 months living in a poor urban area of Jakarta. The study was done in Kampung Melayu sub-district in Jakarta, Indonesia. Data was collected within two weeks in September-October 2020. A structured questionnaire for a 24-h recall and a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) were used to collect the dietary intake data, and venous blood was withdrawn to determine the hemoglobin levels. Bivariate chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests were executed to explore the dietary determinant factors for anemia. We recruited 180 subjects. The average hemoglobin concentration was 11.4 ± 1.7 mg/dL; the anemia prevalence was 29.4%. The following variables were significantly associated with higher risk of anemia: no cow's milk formula consumption, inadequate intake of fats, protein, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Only cow's milk formula consumption and zinc intake were revealed as the determinant factors of anemia. In conclusion, the prevalence of anemia was 29.4% among children aged 6-36 months old. Anemia was significantly associated with two dietary determinants as risk factors that are cow's milk formula consumption and zinc intake.

The role of soy plant-based formula supplemented with dietary fiber to support children's growth and development: An expert opinion.

OBJECTIVES: Soy-based formula has evolved in usage and processing technology since its introduction in 1909, and has been used as substitute formula for infants or children with cow milk allergy since 1929. At present, personal opinions, religious background, availability, palatability, and cost are part of the reasons soy-based formula is chosen. Technology in processing soy-based formula has evolved from using soy flour to soy protein isolate, which provides advantages. However, concerns remain regarding the impact of its use on the growth and development of children. METHODS: An expert meeting, attended by 12 experts, was initiated in Jakarta, Indonesia, to obtain an evidence-based consensus on the role of soy protein isolate formula, as well as its nutritional value to support growth and development. RESULTS: Ensuring that plant-based formula (i.e., soy protein isolate formula) is fortified with key nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and dietary fiber is important. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus was achieved, concluding that soy protein isolate formula is safe, affordable, and an alternative option for cow's milk-based formula for term infants.