How the Built Environment Shapes Children's Microbiome: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Microbiome Research
• Child Development

Background:

• The built environment encompasses physical and social elements influencing health.
• Childhood microbiome development is critical for long-term health outcomes.
• Understanding the interplay between built environments and the microbiome is essential for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review empirical findings on how built environment elements affect the microbiome in children.
• To identify research gaps and emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches.
• To explore the link between built environment design and children's microbiome-associated health.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases.
• Systematic review and analysis of 42 selected studies.
• Examination of built environment factors, microbiome aspects, and children's health outcomes.

Main Results:

• A significant portion (38%) of studies focused on children's exposure to nature and its beneficial effects on the microbiome.
• Identified a substantial research gap in linking specific built environment design features to microbiome outcomes and child health.
• Findings suggest that improved built environment quality through design interventions can positively influence children's microbiomes.

Conclusions:

• Interventions in the built environment can promote healthier microbiomes in children.
• There is a critical need for interdisciplinary research integrating microbiome science and built environment design.
• Policy initiatives are needed to leverage built environment design for improved child health and well-being.