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Priming for health: gut microbiota acquired in early life regulates physiology, brain and behaviour

G Clarke1, S M O'Mahony, T G Dinan

  • 1Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|May 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Early disruptions to the infant gut microbiome can significantly alter brain development and behavior. Understanding these changes is crucial for long-term mental health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The infant gut microbiome undergoes significant compositional changes during the first three years of life.
  • The gut microbiome's influence on brain and behavior is a rapidly growing area of research.
  • Integrating the dynamics of the early-life gut microbiome with neurodevelopmental trajectories presents a novel research frontier.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the dynamic nature of the infant gut microbiome.
  • To emphasize the connection between gut microbial composition and brain/behavioral development.
  • To underscore the importance of studying early-life microbial disruptions.

Main Methods:

  • Observational studies on infant gut microbiome development.
  • Analysis of shifts in microbial composition during early life.
  • Review of literature linking gut microbiota to neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The infant gut microbiome is highly dynamic, with substantial shifts occurring in the first three years.
  • Disruptions to these developmental patterns are increasingly recognized for their potential impact.
  • Emerging evidence links gut microbial composition to brain function and behavior.

Conclusions:

  • Perturbations in the early-life gut microbiota can affect the developing central nervous system.
  • These early-life disruptions may have long-term implications for mental health.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate these effects.
Abstract

Keywords:
BehaviourBrain DevelopmentBreastfeedingEarly LifeMicrobiota

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