Zinc–amino-acid conjugate supplementation shapes maternal and infant gut microbiomes—a pilot study

Introduction: Human pregnancy is a critical period in which maternal nutritional status strongly influences fetal development and long-term health in newborn individuals. Studies suggest that adequate zinc intake plays a key role in maternal and fetal health, impacting various physiological processes including but not limited to endocrine and immune function, growth, and neurodevelopment. The relationship between zinc and the gut microbiota emerges as an interacting factor in this dynamic relationship. Material and methods: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study explores the significance of prenatal supplementation, with a particular emphasis on zinc–amino-acid conjugates, on a baby’s microbiota. Results: Our results show that zinc status impacts the composition and function of gut microbial communities in the mother. More importantly, our data show that maternal zinc supplementation with a zinc–amino-acid conjugate during pregnancy alters the microbiota of the progeny. In particular, the abundance of the genera Prevotellaceae UCG-003 and Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 is different in babies from zinc-supplemented mothers and correlates with their mothers’ serum zinc levels. Conclusions: We conclude that zinc supplementation can optimize the intricate balance between gut microbiota composition and healthy development, which may present a novel strategy for promoting the health of mothers and babies.