Infancy And The Inner Ecosystem

Can how we are born really impact the diversity of our gut bacteria? Catherine Morgan writes

- Catherine Morgan

Research into the microbiome (our inner ecosystem of trillions of microscopic microorganisms and their collective genetic makeup) has revealed that the diversity and balance of microbes lurking within our guts could have long-term implications for our health — starting in infancy.

In 2016, a study published in Nature Medicine showed that new-born babies who had a particular pattern of gut microbes were three-times more likely to develop allergic reactions by the age of two, and asthma by the age of four. 1,2 Babies in the highest risk group had lower levels of certain normal gut bacteria (e.g. Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium) and abnormally high levels of certain fungal species (Candida and Rhodotorula).

The study is part of a growing body of evidence suggesting that developing a ‘healthy’ gut microbiome from birth is essential. This complex microbial system plays a key role in just about every aspect of our health, from digestion and vitamin production, to the regulation of our immune systems. A shift in microbial balance (i.e. dysbiosis) has also been associated with an increasing number of health problems, from allergies and gastrointestinal disorders 3 to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis 4 and rheumatoid arthritis, 5 and even obesity. 6

Where does it all begin?

It has been commonly accepted that whilst in the womb, babies live in a sterile environment — receiving their first dose of bacteria from their mother whilst in the birth canal, and then through skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding. But there is now a view that we may receive bacteria from our mothers even before birth. 7,8,9