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Published on: August 30, 2016
Factors Influencing the Intestinal Microbiome During the First Year of Life
Petra Zimmermann1,2,3,4, Nigel Curtis1,2,3
1From the Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Insights
The infant gut microbiome is shaped by various factors, influencing immune system development and long-term health risks like allergies. Understanding these early influences allows for potential health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The intestinal microbiome is vital for immune system development and regulation.
- Early life microbial composition impacts future health, including allergies and autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors influencing the infant intestinal microbiome composition within the first year of life.
- To highlight the connection between early microbiome establishment and health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of factors affecting the infant gut microbiome.
- Analysis of influences such as birth location, delivery mode, feeding, and antibiotic use.
Main Results:
- Numerous factors significantly shape the infant intestinal microbiome.
- These factors include gestational age, delivery mode, feeding practices, hospitalization, and antibiotic/probiotic use.
Conclusions:
- Early life factors critically establish the intestinal microbiome.
- Understanding these influences offers opportunities for interventions to promote infant health and prevent adverse outcomes.
Abstract:
The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in the development of the immune system and regulation of immune responses. Many factors influence the composition of the infant intestinal microbiome and therefore the development and function of the immune system. This, in turn, may alter the risk of subsequent allergies, autoimmune diseases and other adverse health outcomes. Here, we review factors that influence the composition of the intestinal microbiome during the first year of life, including birth location, gestational age, delivery mode, feeding method, hospitalization, antibiotic or probiotic intake and living conditions. Understanding how the early intestinal microbiome is established and how this is perturbed provides many opportunities for interventions to improve health.
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