The Paediatric Microbiome: How Your Child’s Microbiome Shapes Lifelong Health
Your baby’s microbiome begins to develop the moment they are born (possibly even earlier), and the first 1,000 days of life is key. Factors that can influence the early microbiome are maternal health, age and diet, type of birth, pre- or post-natal antibiotic use, early feeding methods and environmental exposures including siblings, family and pets. The microbiome is not just about gut health and digesting food but plays a vital role in influencing the developing immune system and determining how your child’s body will respond to environmental and immune triggers.
The Keystone Paediatric Microbiome Species
A healthy infant gut is dominated by Bifidobacterium microbial species, with four key subspecies. B. Infantis, B. Bifidum, B. Breve and B. Longum are the species we most want to see in a developing microbiome as they have protective and anti-inflammatory effects. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO’s) is a prebiotic which specifically feed up Bifidobacterium that are key to early microbiome health and immune development and converts into protective metabolites in the gut. HMOs are found exclusively in human breastmilk but can now also be replicated to provide a supplement form of Human Milk Oligosaccharides that perform a similar function in the microbiome.
Research on Bifidobacterium Species and Immune Development
Eczema, Asthma and Food Allergies
At birth a child’s immune system is naturally prone to a higher allergic response through a dominance of Th2 immune cells. Bifidobacteria produce short-chain fatty acids which are metabolites that signal the expansion of Treg cells to bring balance to the immune system. Low levels of Bifidobacterium species have been shown to leave the immune system in a hyper-reactive Th2 state, significantly increasing the risk of eczema and asthma.
Research shows that infants with low Bifidobacterium in the first three months of life have a 300% increased risk of Atopy, which can result in the progression from eczema to food allergies and asthma. Another study demonstrated that infants with sufficient Bifidobacterium have up to 60% reduction of IgE (the body's allergy antibody) production. With low levels of Bifidobacteria the immune system is significantly more likely to misidentify pollen, peanuts, or dust as dangerous threats.
Autoimmunity: Type 1 Diabetes, Coeliac disease and Juvenile Arthritis
A primary driver of autoimmunity is the passage of undigested proteins or pathogens through an immature gut lining (intestinal permeability). Bifidobacterium species help to maintain a tight intestinal barrier which prevents foreign particles from entering the bloodstream. When this occurs they can trigger molecular mimicry which is an immune response where the immune system attacks its own tissues and can lead to the development of autoimmune diseases (e.g., Type 1 Diabetes or Coeliac Disease).
The process of Bifidobacteria regulating and promoting regulatory T-cells also contributes to protection against autoimmunity. These immune cells prevent the body from attacking itself and low bifidobacteria diversity in infancy is now a confirmed risk factor for early-onset autoimmunity, including Type 1 Diabetes, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
General Immune and Gut Health
Aside from modulating immune system function to protect against big immune responses, adequate levels of Bifidobacteria in the infant microbiome can help to reduce childhood illness frequency and severity. Research has demonstrated that below optimal levels of Bifidobacterium species in the first three months of life results in a significantly elevated risk of frequent upper respiratory infections and bronchopneumonia. Children with higher levels Bifidobacterium species have shown faster recovery and milder symptoms of viral infections due to Bifidobacteria increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 10. Without sufficient anti-inflammatory cytokines, the immune response to a minor virus can be more severe with higher fevers, more significant mucus production, and increased coughing.
Adequate levels of Bifidobacterium species have also been shown to be protective in the gut and to help normalise bowel movements in children. The production of short chain fatty acids by Bifidobacteria help to lower the pH of the colon and stimulate peristalsis to maintain bowel movement regularity and prevent constipation. Bifidobacterium also function as a protective mechanism against pathogenic bacteria such as Rotavirus, by preventing their adhesion to the intestinal wall. Pathogenic bacteria commonly cause diarrhoea, digestive inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in children.
When to test your Infant or Child’s Microbiome?
With newer research and the establishment of references ranges by age for a healthy paediatric microbiome, Microbiome testing is a safe and evidence-based way to identify early imbalances that can have lasting health impacts during the vital microbiome developmental window.
Clinical indications for Microbiome testing in infants and children:
Food sensitivities/allergies
Eczema or Asthma
Autoimmunity
Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
Abdominal pain or early IBS signs
Allergic rhinitis and recurrent ENT infections
Recurrent gastroenteritis
Suspected or diagnosed Coeliac disease
Sleep and behavioural dysregulation
Early or recurrent antibiotic use
Benefits of Early Microbiome Testing
Microbiome testing can take place from 3 months of age when the microbiome begins to stabilise and is particularly recommended between 3-5 months or before starting solid food for infants who have needed antibiotics, been born by caesarean section or are exhibiting any signs of microbiome imbalance. Early testing can identify a Bifidobacterium depleted microbiome before symptoms like eczema or allergies appear. Microbiome testing allows us to identify the specific strains of bacteria missing or in excess and allows for targeted microbiome restoration.
How to support your baby's developing microbiome
Continue providing breastmilk for as long possible (even one feed or bottle per day can help).
Choose a formula that contains HMO’s or consult a practitioner for prebiotic and probiotic support.
Delay starting solids until 6 months of age AND developmentally ready.
Encourage a variety of plant based and high fibre foods once solids have begun.
Skip the parasite cleanses unless recommended by a practitioner trained in assessing the paediatric microbiome, they can do more harm than good.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics where possible, within medical advice, by supporting your child’s immune system.
If antibiotics are necessary then consider working with a practitioner for microbiome testing and targeted support.
The Paediatric Microbiome Window of Opportunity
The critical window for microbiome and immune development is between birth and age three. Microbiome testing and evidence-based nutritional strategies during this period can help to build a resilient, tolerant, and healthy immune system for life. But the good news is that it’s never too late to start working on gut health. The microbiome is constantly evolving and can be altered at any age with testing and targeted treatment. Research has also shown that there are minimal differences between adult microbiomes when accounting for birth type and differences in infant feeding. Microbiome health is also just one predictor of healthy child development, with emotional safety, love and connection being a priority when it comes to your child’s future. But if you are in the trenches of childhood illnesses, eczema, asthma or food reactions then looking at your child’s microbiome is the best place to start.
To find out more about Paediatric Microbiome Testing book your Free Discovery Call to discuss the options.
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