Maternal Soluble Fiber Diet during Pregnancy Changes the Intestinal Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Intestinal Permeability in Piglets

Abstract

Although the direct effects of dietary soluble fiber on gut microbiota have been extensively studied, the more indirect effects of maternal nutrition solely during pregnancy on the development of the offspring's intestine are until now largely unexplored. Our data show that a maternal soluble fiber diet during pregnancy is independently associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota composition and metabolism of suckling piglets. These findings have direct implications for refining dietary recommendations in pregnancy. Moreover, a maternal soluble fiber diet reduces intestinal permeability and prevents intestinal inflammation and an excessive systemic immune response of suckling piglets. Therefore, the suckling piglets' resistance to disease was enhanced, diarrhea was reduced, and weight gain was raised. Additionally, the changes in gut microbiota in response to a maternal soluble fiber diet may also be directly correlated with the offspring's growth and gut development.