Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:36
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Association between infant and toddler gut microbiota composition and later executive functioning.
Venla Huovinen1, Anna-Katariina Aatsinki1,2, Eeva Eskola1,3,4
1FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, https://ror.org/05vghhr25University of Turku, Finland.
Development and Psychopathology
|May 8, 2026
Summary
Early life gut microbiota diversity impacts childhood executive functions (EFs). Lower infant gut microbial diversity was linked to poorer preschool EFs, highlighting the gut-brain axis in development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neurodevelopmental science
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Gut microbiota composition (GMC) in early life is linked to neurodevelopment and behavior.
- Limited research exists on the connection between GMC and executive functions (EFs) in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gut microbiota and executive functions in early childhood.
- To understand the biological underpinnings of behavioral development through the gut-brain axis.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 373 participants from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort.
- Gut microbiota analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics on infant/toddler stool samples.
- Executive functions assessed at 2.5 and 5 years using various behavioral tasks and a questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Infant alpha diversity showed a negative association with preschool executive functions.
- Distinct executive function profiles were observed across different dominant gut microbial genera.
- Abundances of specific bacterial genera correlated with certain executive functions, but microbial metabolites did not show associations with EF.
Conclusions:
- Early-life gut microbiota composition is associated with executive function development in preschool-aged children.
- This study provides novel insights into the gut-brain axis during a critical developmental period.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms connecting gut microbes and cognitive functions.
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