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Mother’s gut microbiome affects brain development in babies, study says
Even if you already think its really important, its *probably* even more important than you think it is. A study in mice found that the state of a mothers gut microbiome influences brain development in its young. In the case of lab mice, at least, the presence or absence of a particular bacterium during pregnancy can have serious knock-on effects.
In the human world, scientists have concluded that promoting a healthy gut microbiome will be fundamental to achieving long-term space missions. Weve evolved to live on Earth, so staying healthy off Earth requires some delicate management. If youve tried to get to the bottom of how its all formed and maintained by watching needlessly complex gut microbiome videos online, we get you. Hopefully, this particular piece of research-based news will strike a chord!
A pregnant mothers gut microbiome influences brain development in the fetus
In mice, at least.
A recent study at the University of Cambridge in the UK found that the presence of the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in a pregnant mouses gut supports the healthy brain development of the fetus it carries.
Cell processes relating to growth saw positive changes among the pregnant mothers who were given the bacteria. Meanwhile, nutrient transport to the brain increased.
What the study suggests is that its possible to improve fetal development, specifically brain metabolism, by taking supplements of the Bifidobacterium breve bacteria.
It occurs naturally in a humans gut, but its also available as a dietary supplement in probiotic drinks and tablets. Abbreviated to B breve, it lives in the intestines and produces lactic and acetic acid in the gut.
WebMD adds that it can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off bad organisms that might cause diseases. Its commonly found in the gut of breastfed infants �one reason why breastfeeding trumps formula milk.
Giving mothers good bacteria can help fetuses develop and grow in a healthy way
Even if a pregnant woman is malnourished, taking specific dietary supplements could help the development of the fetus shes nurturing, the study suggests.
Dr Jorge Lopez-Tello, the reports first author and a member of Cambridge Universitys Trophoblast Research Center, told Science Daily: Our study suggests that by providing ‘good bacteria’ to the mother we could improve the growth and development of her baby while she’s pregnant.
Treatments for when fetuses dont grow properly could focus on altering the gut microbiome through probiotics, instead of offering pharmaceutical treatments with the risk of side effects to pregnant women.”
However, its important to stress that its impossible to predict exactly how studies like this will translate to humans. Nevertheless, one of the academics involved in the research described it as exciting.
It may pave the way for future studies into the role of a mothers microbiome in the brain (or indeed general) development of the fetus. So, stay tuned!
