Critical Review of Breastfed Infants Gut Microbiota Based on Maternal Diets, Lifestyle and Socioeconomics Across Different Asian Populations

Abstract

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in early immune development, allergy prevention, and metabolic regulation in infants. It is established during the early stages of life and significantly influenced by maternal and environmental factors. While most microbiota-related studies are based on Western populations, Asia’s diverse dietary, cultural, and environmental backgrounds are underrepresented in current literature. The limited focus on Asian-specific variables such as traditional diets, postpartum practices, and urban-rural health disparities restricts the applicability of global recommendations. This review aims to examine how maternal diet, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors influence gut microbiota development in breastfed infants across different Asian populations, with the goal of supporting culturally relevant health strategies.