A new study has revealed that disturbances in gut flora during the first year of life might be linked to the development of neurological conditions such as autism and ADHD later in childhood.
Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Florida and Linköping University, this research shines a new light on the potential for early detection and prevention of these disorders.
Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the study is notable for its forward-looking approach, analyzing the gut flora composition of infants alongside a multitude of other factors.
The research unearthed a series of biological markers present at birth or during the first year that could be connected to future diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, communication disorder, and intellectual disability.
Eric W Triplett, a professor at the University of Florida and one of the study’s lead researchers, remarked on the significance of these biomarkers being identifiable so early in life, potentially a decade before any diagnosis.
This discovery came from the ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden) study, which tracked more than 16,000 children born between 1997 and 1999 from infancy into their twenties. Around 7.3% of these children were later diagnosed with one of the mentioned neurological disorders.
The study highlighted the impact of various lifestyle and environmental factors on the composition of the intestinal flora.
One of the striking findings was the difference in gut flora between infants who would later develop autism or ADHD and those who would not. Factors like antibiotic treatments in the first year were linked to a heightened risk of developing these conditions.
Senior professor Johnny Ludvigsson from Linköping University, who co-led the study, pointed out the association between early antibiotic treatment and an increased risk of neurological developmental disorders.
This connection underscores the delicate balance of gut flora and its potential influence on neurological development.
Interestingly, children who experienced repeated ear infections in their first year — often treated with antibiotics — showed a higher likelihood of receiving a diagnosis later in life.
The researchers identified specific bacteria, such as the absence of Coprococcus and the presence of Citrobacter, which seemed to influence the risk of a future diagnosis.
These findings suggest that antibiotic treatments might disrupt gut flora in ways that contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
The study also delved into the protective effects of certain bacteria, highlighting how deficits in specific gut flora like Coprococcus and Akkermansia muciniphila are linked to children later diagnosed with developmental neurological conditions.
These bacteria are associated with crucial substances in the stool, such as vitamin B and neurotransmitter precursors, vital for brain signaling.
Additional findings from the study included the influence of parental smoking and the protective effect of breastfeeding.
Analysis of umbilical cord blood showed that children diagnosed with autism had lower levels of essential fats, like linolenic acid, necessary for brain health, and higher levels of PFAS substances, environmental toxins known to impact the immune system negatively.
While the research offers significant insights, it also raises questions about whether the observed gut flora imbalances are a cause or consequence of underlying factors.
Even so, the study presents a compelling case for the potential of early biomarkers in predicting and possibly preventing developmental neurological disorders.
As this research progresses, it could pave the way for developing screening protocols and preventive measures, offering hope for early intervention in children at risk of these conditions.
If you care about autism, please read studies that cats may help decrease anxiety for kids with autism and new study may develop better treatment for autism
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to a healthy brain, and results showing this type of food may contribute to autism.
The research findings can be found in Cell.
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