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Early-Life Microbiota Modulation and Neurodevelopment in Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized

Salvatore Michele Carnazzo1, Fabio Allia1, Alice Foti1

  • 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", 94100 Enna, Italy.

Cells
|April 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Microbiota-targeted interventions like probiotics show potential for enhancing infant neurodevelopment. This systematic review explores their impact on cognitive and behavioral outcomes in infants aged 0-36 months.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric development

Background:

  • Early infant microbial composition influences neurodevelopment and behavior.
  • Microbiota-targeted interventions (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics) aim to modulate gut health and immunity.
  • Existing research shows associative human evidence and causal preclinical links, but a gap exists in focused neurodevelopmental assessments within the first three years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials on microbiota-targeted interventions in infants (0-36 months).
  • To determine if probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics provide discernible neurodevelopmental benefits.
  • To explore mechanisms linking microbial modulation to early brain development.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
  • Inclusion of studies assessing probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics.
  • Focus on infants aged 0-36 months with neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of microbiota-targeted strategies on infant neurodevelopment.
  • Synthesis of evidence on cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotional outcomes.
  • Identification of potential benefits and underlying mechanisms of microbial modulation.

Conclusions:

  • Microbiota-targeted interventions warrant further investigation for their role in supporting healthy infant neurodevelopment.
  • Understanding the gut-brain axis in early life is crucial for optimizing developmental trajectories.
  • Future research should focus on robust clinical trials to confirm efficacy and elucidate mechanisms.

Keywords:
early-life microbiota modulationgut microbiotagut–brain axisinfant neurodevelopmentprebioticsprobioticsrandomized controlled trialssynbiotics

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