Milk fat globule membrane-supplemented infant formula modulates Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis exopolysaccharide production and supports goblet cell barrier homeostasis

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), essential for infant gut development, may influence microbiota-host interactions. Whether digested MFGM indirectly alters intestinal barrier responses through a primary infant microbiome inhabitant, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, metabolism remains unclear. This study evaluated whether digested MFGM-supplemented infant formula modifies exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by B. infantis and whether conditioned bacterial supernatants affect goblet cell barrier responses. Milk- and soy-based formulas underwent in vitro digestion for use as bacterial substrates. The greatest increases in EPS occurred in selected milk-based MFGM-supplemented conditions, particularly during logarithmic and early stationary growth, whereas soy-based conditions showed weaker responses. Conditioned supernatants did not significantly alter transepithelial electrical resistance or MUC5AC and TFF3, but measurements remained consistent with maintenance of goblet cell homeostasis and showed no barrier disruption. These findings suggest that digested MFGM-containing milk-based formula may modulate EPS production, while additional studies are needed to define host-microbe mechanisms.