Childhood Asthma and Gut Microbiome

The Gut Microbiome in Early Years

Within the first couple of years of life, the composition of the infant microbiome matures, helping to shape the way the immune system develops.

During that first year, the composition shifts rapidly, greatly influenced by the surrounding environment. These first years of life are crucial for potential sensitivity to environmental exposures and immune function).

Disturbances of the microbiome during this time may influence the likelihood of a child developing asthma, allergies, and other immune-related disorders .

Influences on Microbiome Composition in the First Year of Life

The main factors of influence on microbiome population and composition are:

• Mode of delivery – Caesarean compared to vaginal birth.
• Antibiotic use – maternal use during birth, and infant use in first year.
• Feeding method – Breast milk versus formula.
• Gestational age – Full-term versus premature birth.
• Birth Order – Older siblings are more likely to have less diverse gut microbiomes.
• Introduction of solid foods – This prompts the largest shift in gut microbiome composition.
• Environmental exposures – e.g. farms, animals all have their own unique microbial fingerprint.

Research on Gut Microbiome and Asthma Development

A delay or alteration in the establishment of microbial groups can lead to an ‘immature’ gut microbiome, which has been linked with an increased risk of asthma later on in life. 

A 2018 study on 700 children found that a lack of maturation of the gut microbiome of a child at one year of age was associated with an increased prevalence of asthma at the age of five.

Interestingly, this link was only found in children of asthmatic mothers, which suggests that the environment and subsequent microbiome composition may act like an ‘on switch’ in pre-disposed children.

Strategies for Asthma Prevention

These results suggest that an awareness of environmental influences on the gut microbiome in the first year of life may play an important preventative role in reducing the likelihood of a predisposed child developing asthma, when the gut microbiome is highly malleable and able to be manipulated.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are currently being researched for their ability to restore balance in the gut microbiome. 

There is also a growing body of evidence suggesting that the use of prebiotics and probiotics during pregnancy may influence the developing fetal immune system, reducing the risk of them developing asthma.

Overall, manipulation of the gut microbiome to prevent and possibly treat asthma shows promise as a novel therapeutic option for susceptible children."

Full Article link : https://www.mothersbabies.org/childhood-asthma-and-the-gut-microbiome/

Pic : TodaysParent.com