Allergies - immunity

A recent study explored the relationship between early-life gut microbiota and neurodevelopment in mice. This study suggests that exposure to antibiotics during early life can change the gut microbiota, leading to a subtle but long-lasting impact on the gut–brain–immune axis. Antibiotic-induced gut microbial depletion has a sex- and time-dependent effect on circulating immune cells. Furthermore, even brief exposure to antibiotics in early life can have a significant effect on the composition and structure of the developing gut microbiota, reducing its diversity and changing the abundance of certain microorganisms, potentially impacting behaviour, neuroimmune function, and neurodevelopment. To promote positive neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes in later life, it is essential to maintain gut microbial diversity and stability during the critical window of early life. These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration when administering antibiotics and lay the groundwork for developing strategies to support a healthy gut microbiome in early life.

A recent study demonstrates the advantages of breastfeeding in lowering the incidence of paediatric asthma after antibiotic treatment. According to the study, breastfed infants had a threefold reduced chance of developing asthma after antibiotic treatment than those who were not. Fucosylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), one of the bioactive components of breastmilk, were positively linked to the enrichment of Bifidobacter infantis (B. infantis) in the infant gut microbiota. This was associated with a lower incidence of asthma. The study adds to the understanding of how HMOs found in breastmilk, and B. infantis can protect kids against asthma and pave the way for the development of novel treatments to promote infant gut health and lower asthma risk in children. 

In this, the latest in our series on bioactive nutrition, we discuss the role of the bioactive protein osteopontin. Osteopontin plays a role in several biological processes including immune function and is present in most tissues and bodily fluids, with the highest concentration found in milk.