farm Life Linked to Higher Rates of Beneficial gut Bacteria in Infants, Potentially Reducing Allergy Risk

New research suggests a connection between early life exposure to customary agricultural environments and the growth of a gut microbiome associated with lower rates of allergic diseases. A 2021 study led by Järvinen-Seppo and colleagues compared the intestinal microbiome of 65 infants residing in an Old Order mennonite community in rural New York with that of 39 infants living in urban and suburban areas.

The study found that Bifidobacterium infantis, a bacteria known for its potential protective effect against allergies, colonized nearly three-quarters of the Mennonite infants. Specifically, 74 percent of the Mennonite infants showed colonization, compared to just 21 percent of the infants in the city group.

Both Old Order Mennonites and the Amish maintain lifestyles centered around traditional farming practices, which researchers believe contribute to this difference in microbiome composition. This finding builds on the growing body of evidence supporting the “farm effect” – the observation that children raised on farms exhibit lower rates of allergic diseases like asthma and eczema.

“These clues about the origin of the farm effect are a step towards the prevention of allergic diseases,” stated Järvinen-Seppo. Experts emphasize the potential for meaningful improvements in quality of life by mitigating the global impact of allergic conditions.

Dr. Mario Vercelli, a researcher involved in the broader investigation of the farm effect, acknowledged the impracticality of widespread farm living. “I don’t think we can give a cow to every family, but we learn from these traditional and very stable environments what types of substances and exposures are necessary,” Vercelli said. “When we learn this, I do not think there will be any obstacles to creating protective strategies in this direction.”

The research highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between environmental exposures, gut microbiome development, and immune system function in the prevention of allergic diseases. Further investigation is needed to identify the specific factors within traditional farming environments that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria like B. infantis and to translate these findings into effective preventative measures for all children.