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Early life microbial exposure, child neurocognition and behaviour at 2 years of age: A birth cohort study
Elizabeth Senn1,2, Christos Symeonides1, Peter Vuillermin1,2,3
1Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Early life microbial exposures did not show a clear link to infant cognition or behavior in this Australian study. Some factors like breastfeeding were linked to better cognitive scores, but overall evidence was limited.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Developmental psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Factors influencing external microbial exposures (FEMEs) are known to affect allergic disease development.
- The impact of these FEMEs on infant cognition and behavior remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between FEMEs and cognition and behavior in 2-year-old infants.
- To explore associations in an Australian birth cohort.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Barwon Infant Study, a birth cohort of 1074 infants.
- Employed multiple linear regression to analyze associations between 56 FEMEs and cognitive/behavioral outcomes.
- Assessed cognition using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and behavior via Child Behavior Checklist.
Main Results:
- No consistent patterns or dose-response relationships were observed between FEMEs and the three outcomes.
- Breastfeeding and childcare were associated with higher cognitive scores.
- Increased sibling number was linked to lower internalizing behavior.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological evidence does not support a strong association between the studied FEMEs and infant cognition/behavior.
- Further research is needed to explore the direct relationship between gut microbial composition and cognitive/behavioral development.
Aim:
To investigate the relationship between factors which influence external microbial exposures (FEMEs), previously identified to be protective or to increase the risk of the development of allergic disease, and cognition and behaviour in infants 2 years of age in an Australian population.
Method:
The Barwon Infant Study is a birth cohort (n = 1074) in Victoria, Australia. Comprehensive questionnaire, clinical and biological measures were collected at multiple time oints. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between 56 FEMEs and 3 outcomes; cognition (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BAYLEY-III)) (n = 667, mean (standard deviation) age = 2.45 (0.14) years), internalising and externalising behaviour (Child Behavior Checklist) (n = 666, mean (standard deviation) age = 2.45 (0.14) years).
Results:
Overall, there were no consistent patterns or dose response found within an outcome nor across all three outcomes, although there was some evidence for individual associations. Breastfeeding and child care were associated with higher cognitive scores (adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) = 3.20 (0.23-6.17) and 0.68 (0.12-1.24), respectively), and increasing sibling number was associated with lower internalising behaviour (adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval) = -4.13 (-6.34, -1.91)).
Conclusion:
In contrast to allergic disease, there was an absence of epidemiological evidence to support the association between these FEMEs and cognition and behaviour. Direct investigations into the relationship between exposures which influence gut-microbial composition and cognition and behaviour are now needed.
