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Microbiota Signatures in Early Life and Their Association With Food Allergy: A Systematic Review
Eduard Flores Ventura1,2, Jeremy Corriger3, Hélène Omer4
1Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain.
Allergy
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Early life gut bacteria diversity and composition are linked to food allergy development. Specific microbial patterns in infants may predict allergy susceptibility or tolerance, guiding prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
- Pediatric health
Background:
- Food allergy (FA) prevalence is rising globally.
- Early life represents a critical period for immune system development and training.
- Understanding the early-life microbiome's role is key to preventing FA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review observational studies on early-life microbiota and subsequent food allergy or sensitization.
- To identify specific microbial profiles associated with FA risk versus tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, LILACS) up to March 2026.
- Inclusion of human studies with microbiota sampling during pregnancy/childhood and clinically ascertained FA/sensitization outcomes.
- Narrative synthesis due to study heterogeneity; risk of bias assessed using QUIPS.
Main Results:
- Forty studies (6530 participants, 2077 cases) were included.
- FA cases associated with lower microbial diversity, early beta-divergence, neonatal Proteobacteria/Enterobacteriaceae enrichment, and depletion of Bifidobacterium, Blautia, and butyrate producers.
- Functional profiles indicated delayed maturation and reduced short-chain fatty acid production capacity.
Conclusions:
- Distinct early-life microbial configurations are associated with food allergy susceptibility or tolerance.
- Findings support the development of mechanism-based prevention strategies for FA.
- Further research needed to address limitations like moderate risk of bias and heterogeneity.
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