Factors Affecting The Early Development of Infant Gut Microbiome
Could This Be Influencing Obesity and IBS In Later Life?
A recent literature review has shown that an infant’s gut microbiome development can influence the diversity of bacteria in later life. This can impact the likelihood of childhood obesity, which is well known in research as a precursor to obesity in adulthood. The diversity of bacteria during infancy can follow on to have potential effects on developing irritable bowel syndrome.
“One quarter of Australian children and adolescents are overweight or obese and are increasing in trend.” – AIHW
There are a number of factors that can determine the diversity of infant gut bacteria proliferation including the mode of delivery and whether the infant is breastfed.
Delivery of Infant: Vaginal Vs. Cesarian
Immediately after birth, bacteria in the gut of newborns are formed from the mother and the environment in which they were born. If the infant is delivered vaginally, the infant will take on the microbial community to that of the their vaginal environment. If the infant is delivered through cesarian, the infant will share the microbial environment of the maternal skin. Premature infants will take on the bacterial communities of hospital surfaces and feeding/tubes. However, there is currently limited research on whether this immediate proliferated gut microbiome impacts the gut microbiome in adulthood.
Breastfeeding Vs Formula Feeding
Breastfeeding infants are currently the most well researched determinant of infant gut colonisation. In breastfed infants, the gut microbiota is predominantly proliferated with bifidobacteria, colonizing around 60-90% of the gut. Formula fed infants microbiota is proliferated with higher levels of bacteroides, clostridium, staphylococcus, streptococcus.
How do these bacteria strains affect weight?
Substantial evidence suggests that there are higher levels of staphylococcus and lower levels of bifidobactera tended to higher childhood weights and obesity.
“Recent evidence suggests that a failure to enhance microbial establishment during early life can result in obesity in later life.” – Dr E. Angelakis.
Could these early determinants of gut bacteria diversity impact on IBS?
Multiple studies have highlighted that levels of bifidobacterium, lactobacillus, faecalibacterium are lower in people with IBS when compared to healthy control groups.
Conclusions
It can be concluded that early development of the gut microbiome can influence the likelihood of obesity in later life. However, more research is to be conducted before conclusions can be drawn on the link between infant gut microbiota and IBS.
References
Angelakis E. Gut microbiota modifications and weight gain in early life. (2018). Available at:
Stern EK. Gut Microbiota-Based Therapies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (2018) Available at:
