Research shows that infants born during the pandemic have a less diverse range of bacteria within their gut microbiome.
The authors of the study said the outcome may have been induced by “social changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with infants potentially experiencing more time at home, less time in daycare interacting with other children, increased hygiene in the environment, changes to diet and breastfeeding practices, and increased caregiver stress.”
What raises concern are the potential long-term effects that these infants may encounter in their adult lives as a result of their restricted gut microbiome. According to senior author of the study, Natalie Brito, “In adults we know that lower diversity of the microbiota species in the gut has been linked to poorer physical and mental health.”
SOURCE:
Neuroscience News September 7, 2023
Source: Original Article
Publish Date: 2023-09-07 19:25:37