New research on how pollution impacts a baby’s gut. And what you can do to reduce risks (HINT — includes breastfeeding)
QUICK SUMMARY: New research finds that if a baby is exposed to air pollution in the first six months, this can impact the baby’s gut microbiome. This could increase a baby’s risk of future disease and potentially even impact brain development. But there are simple steps to help reduce risks — including breastfeeding for as long as possible.
New research finds that if a baby is exposed to air pollution in the first six months, this can impact the baby’s gut microbiome.
Not just that.
If air pollution impacts the development of the baby’s gut microbiome during the first six months, this could have a knock-on effect for future health.
The first six months is a critical window for development and growth so anything that interferes or disrupts the optimal development of the gut microbiome has the potential to increase a child’s risk of future disease.
It could even influence the child’s brain development.
This is the first study to show an association (not causation) between inhaled pollutants and changes in the infant gut microbiome. For example, inhaled pollutants could come from traffic, wildfires or from industry.
