Babies Born During Pandemic-Era Lockdowns Have Altered Gut Microbiome, Study Finds
Lockdowns During the Covid Pandemic Yielded Two Key Changes in Babies’ Bodies
Lockdowns during the Covid pandemic led to two ‘fascinating’ changes in babies’ bodies that may have protected them against disease and allergies, a recent study has found.
Altered Gut Microbiome in Babies Born During Lockdowns
Researchers from University College Cork in Ireland have discovered that children born during Covid lockdowns had an altered gut microbiome, which refers to the ecosystem of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut. This altered microbiome, more beneficial in the infants, plays a vital role in digestion, eliminates harmful bacteria, and helps regulate the immune system.
Lower Rates of Allergic Conditions and Antibiotics Usage in Covid Babies
The study found that babies born during lockdowns showed lower than expected rates of allergic conditions, such as food allergies, in comparison to babies born before the pandemic. Additionally, the infants required fewer antibiotics to treat illnesses, indicating a positive impact of altered gut microbiome.
Study Details and Findings
Researchers conducted a thorough analysis by examining fecal samples from 351 Irish babies born in the first three months of the pandemic, between March and May 2020, and compared them to samples from babies born prior to the pandemic. Online questionnaires were used to collect information on diet, home environment, and health to account for variables.
The study revealed that Covid newborns inherited beneficial microbes from their mothers, both during pregnancy and after birth, leading to a reduction in allergies and infections. Furthermore, the lockdown babies, due to less exposure to germs and bacteria, required fewer antibiotics and were breastfed for longer, contributing to the development of a healthier microbiome.
Implications and Future Research
Researchers involved in the study highlighted the potential long-term impacts of the altered gut microbiome in early life. They aim to re-evaluate the children when they reach the age of five to gain a better understanding of any lasting effects. The study’s findings offer a valuable perspective on the impact of social isolation during the pandemic and its influence on the gut microbiome.
Source: Newsworthy Health Website
