New Study Finds Gut Bacteria Plays a Role in Preventing Asthma and Allergies in Babies and Young Children
An Australian study has discovered that babies and young children who have diverse bacteria in their gut are less likely to develop allergy-related wheezing and asthma. The research, conducted by the Barwon Infant Study, analyzed data from 1,074 babies as they grew.
The study found that infants with a more mature gut microbiota at the age of one had a lower chance of developing food allergies and asthma in childhood. The researchers aimed to test whether the maturation of the infant gut microbiota in early life is associated with a decreased risk of allergy-related wheezing in later childhood – their findings supported this hypothesis.
To analyze the presence of bacteria, fecal samples were collected from the babies at one month, six months, and one year old. Furthermore, the researchers asked parents to report on whether their children had developed allergies or asthma, and conducted skin-prick tests to check for allergic reactions.
The results revealed that babies with more mature gut microbiota at one year old were less likely to experience allergy-related wheezing at both one and four years old. Although the exact mechanisms behind how mature gut microbiota contributes to preventing allergy-related diseases are not completely understood, the researchers believe that understanding how the gut microbiota improves the immune system could lead to the development of new ways to prevent asthma.
Based on their promising findings, the researchers are planning to recruit 2,000 children for a new clinical trial. The aim of the trial is to determine if giving children a mixture of dead bacteria can protect them from wheezing illnesses or asthma by boosting a healthy immune response to viral infections.
These findings shed light on the importance of gut health in the prevention of asthma and allergies in young children. As the study continues to expand, researchers hope to unlock more insights into how gut bacteria can be harnessed to protect against these conditions. This research has the potential to make a significant impact on pediatric healthcare and improve the lives of countless children around the world.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”