Optimizing Infant Nutrition to Support Gut Microbiota and Prevent Paediatric Nutritional Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

Background and History of This Topic:

The early years of life are crucial for the development of a robust gut microbiota, a key player in the overall health of children. Decades of research have emphasized that nutrition during infancy profoundly shapes the microbial communities within the gut, influencing immune responses, metabolic pathways, and general health. The historical context of this research underscores the significant role of early dietary practices in preventing long-term nutritional disorders and gastrointestinal diseases in paediatric populations.

Aim and Scope of the Special Issue:

This Special Issue seeks to delve into the intricate relationship between infant nutrition and gut microbiota, with a concentrated focus on the prevention of paediatric nutritional disorders. Our goal is to unite leading researchers and clinicians to explore how early dietary interventions can be leveraged to optimize gut health, thereby contributing to the prevention of diseases that originate from or are exacerbated by nutritional imbalances.

Cutting-Edge Research:

In recent years, breakthroughs in paediatric gastroenterology and microbiome science have uncovered the complex interactions between diet and gut microbiota. These discoveries have opened new avenues for targeted nutritional strategies aimed at enhancing microbial diversity and resilience, thus preventing the onset of gastrointestinal disorders and nutritional deficiencies. This Special Issue will spotlight pioneering studies that explore these cutting-edge topics, offering fresh perspectives and novel methodologies.

What Kind of Papers We Are Soliciting:

We are seeking contributions in the form of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and clinical studies that provide valuable insights into the nexus of infant nutrition, gut microbiota, and paediatric health. Manuscripts that present innovative dietary strategies, explore microbial interactions, or offer practical clinical applications in preventing nutritional and gastrointestinal disorders in children are especially welcome. We encourage submissions that push the boundaries of current knowledge and contribute to the advancement of this critical field.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue, which we believe will significantly advance our understanding of how to optimize infant nutrition for the betterment of paediatric health.

Dr. Asif Khaliq
Dr. Smita Nambiar-Mann
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.