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Development of gut microbiota during the first 2 years of life

Mona-Lisa Wernroth1,2, Sari Peura1,3,4,5, Anna M Hedman6

  • 1Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Epidemiology and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, EpiHubben, MTC-huset, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.

Scientific Reports
|May 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Early life gut microbiota in infants shows low diversity but converges towards adult-like composition by age two. Mode of delivery influences early gut microbiota, with effects diminishing over time.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood microbiota development is linked to chronic immune conditions.
  • Early life determinants of infant microbiota remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the development of gut and oral microbiota in infants during the first two years of life.
  • To investigate early childhood determinants of microbiota composition.

Main Methods:

  • 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze fecal and saliva samples.
  • Samples were collected from 83 children and their mothers at four time points over two years.

Main Results:

  • Infant gut microbiota exhibit low diversity, sharing some characteristics with oral microbiota.
  • A significant convergence towards adult-like microbiota composition occurred within the first two years.
  • Mode of delivery influenced early microbiota variation, but this effect lessened over time.

Conclusions:

  • The first two years of life represent a critical period for gut microbiota maturation.
  • Understanding early microbiota development is crucial for preventing immune-related conditions.

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