ABSTRACT:During past two decades, new emerging diseases in neonates have been reported and it became serious threat in 21st century so, there is growing interest to know the pattern of newborn feeding behavior and their different health outcome. Various researches have evidences that link neonatal health, disease, brain development, physiology, immunity and allergic conditions with gut microbiome. Microbiome is a complex ecosystem of different symbiotic bacteria, colonized in sterile gut of new born after child birth. The diversity of microbiome depends upon mode of delivery, feeding pattern, diet, maturity during birth, early use of antibiotics, environmental factors etc. Kaumarabhritya branch of Ayurveda precisely addresses the pediatric health and diseases. Ayurveda also states about Jatakarma a Samskara(Custom) in newborns for enhancing their immunity, intellect, luster and growth, in which honey mixed with Ghrita and several other herbs like lakshmana(Ipomea marginata), Vacha(Acorus calamus), Bramhi(Bacopa monnieri)etc, are administered to the newborn that robust the above functions. In present paper, an attempt has been made to explore the health outcome of Jatakarma in pediatric population with special reference to gut microbiome and promote ancient practice as the formula food for infants as well.
Keywords: Jatakarma, Microbiome, Honey, Infant, Feeding pattern.