An intergenerational prebiotic approach to establishment of a healthy colonic microbiome in infants.

Resistant starch as High Amylose Maize Starch (HAMS) was fed to two groups of participants for 6 weeks as follows: Women of child-bearing age Milkshakes containing 25 grams of HAMS were chosen as the most appropriate food ‘vehicle.’ The 25 gram dosage was based on the literature (Hu et al. 2016; Le Leu et al. 2009; Muir et al. 1998). HAMS was purchased from Ingredion Australia (http://apac.ingredion.com/) and shipped to India where it was then measured into 25 gram portions prior to the study for ease of preparation by staff. Milkshakes were prepared and delivered to participants by study staff on a daily basis. Bottles were labelled with the participant ID. Participants were asked to consume the milkshake in its entirety each day for the 42 days of the study and did so under the observation of study staff. Stool samples were collected at baseline and thereafter at 2 weekly intervals until 2 weeks post-intervention. Early-weaning infants The food vehicle options comprised those foods that participants were eating in their usual diet. 10 grams of HAMS was added to the preferred daily food of each participant at the point of consumption. Stool samples were collected at baseline and thereafter at 2 weekly intervals until 2 weeks post-intervention.