# Beyond breastfeeding: a One Health Decalogue for nurturing the infant microbiota

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a 10-point One Health Decalogue to support infant health when breastfeeding is not possible, focusing on nutrition, microbiota, and holistic care.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the development of a translational One Health Decalogue for non-breastfed infants based on interdisciplinary evidence.

## Key findings

- Infant nutrition significantly affects gut microbiota, immune programming, and long-term health outcomes.
- Formula composition, maternal health, and psychosocial support are key modifiable factors for non-breastfed infants.
- The One Health Decalogue offers actionable principles to reduce health inequalities and promote microbial resilience.

## Abstract

Early-life nutrition is a key determinant of infant gut microbiota development, immune maturation, and long-term health outcomes. Although breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal feeding strategy, many mothers are unable to breastfeed, underscoring the need for practical, evidence-based guidance to support infant health beyond breastfeeding. A One Health approach enables the integration of nutritional, microbial, clinical, environmental, and socio-cultural factors that influence maternal–infant dyads.

A narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing more on works published from 2020 to 2026. Evidence was synthesized on maternal and infant nutrition, breast milk bioactive components, infant formula feeding, gut microbiota development, and short- and long-term health outcomes in non-breastfed infants. Based on this interdisciplinary evidence, a translational “One Health Decalogue” was developed for mothers who are unable to breastfeed.

The reviewed literature highlights that infant nutrition, particularly in the absence of breastfeeding, significantly influences gut microbiota composition, immune programming, metabolic regulation, and neurodevelopment. Key modifiable factors include formula composition, feeding practices, maternal health status, environmental exposures, caregiver education, and psychosocial support. The proposed One Health Decalogue synthesizes these elements into 10 actionable principles aimed at supporting microbial resilience, promoting healthy development, and reducing health inequalities when breastfeeding is not possible.

Translating scientific evidence into practical tools is essential to support infants who cannot be breastfed. The One Health Decalogue presented in this review provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and translational framework for healthcare professionals, families, and public health policies, fostering informed nutritional choices and holistic strategies to optimize infant health beyond breastfeeding.