Researchers highlight the importance of a healthy microbiome for both expectant mothers and their offspring in a new review, suggesting that any disturbances to microbiota in early life could impact the risk of later-life disease.

Share on Pinterest Disruptions to the microbiome in early life may raise the risk of certain diseases later in life.

In the journal Birth Defects Research Part C: Embryo Today, Dr. Sharon Meropol, associate director for research and evaluation at University Hospital (UH) Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH, and colleagues review a collection of studies in a special issue titled The Microbiome and Childhood Diseases.

The microbiome refers to the tens of trillions of microorganisms that live in our intestine, respiratory tract and on our skin.

There is increasing evidence that disruptions to a person’s microbiota in early life may influence the likelihood of developing certain illnesses later in life. Earlier this year, for example, a study reported by Medical News Today found that an increase in richness of gut bacteria at 3 months of age was associated with reduced risk for food allergies at 1 year of age.

“Disturbed microbiota could potentially contribute to a wide range of childhood diseases including allergies, asthma, obesity and autism-like neurodevelopmental conditions,” notes Dr. Meropol.

However, she points to a number of recent studies that suggest a number of factors that may aid a child’s microbiome development, including breastfeeding, vaginal birth and skin-to-skin contact straight after birth.

A study reported by MNT last year, for instance, suggested that breastfeeding helps infants grow friendly gut bacteria.