Microbiota in the first 1000 days: Effect on health and diseases

Abstract

The first 1000 days before or after birth are pivotal for the establishment of early-life microbial communities and the development of the immune system. During this critical period, alterations in the microbial composition within the gastrointestinal tract significantly impact various host developmental pathways, including those related to immunity, endocrine function, and metabolism.

The term "first 1000 days" encompasses the period from conception to 2 years of age. Disturbances to the microbiota within this timeframe can have enduring consequences for an infant's health, contributing to the onset of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, neurological issues, and obesity.

Several maternal factors, including gestational age, delivery mode, maternal vaginal microbiota, maternal health, diet, and exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy and lactation, exert a profound influence on the infant's gut microbiota. Environmental factors such as delivery mode, gestational age, and breastfeeding also play a crucial role. Ongoing research aims to explore early-life interventions that can modify both gut microbiota and immune system development. Ensuring a healthy intestinal microbial community during pregnancy and infancy is indispensable for securing favorable long-term health outcomes for the infant.

The microbiome undergoes significant transformations during this developmental period, primarily influenced by changes in diet and environmental factors. Epigenetic modifications emerge as crucial mechanisms through which environmental factors impact early cellular differentiation, giving rise to new phenotypic traits within the neonatal period, without altering the DNA sequence.

Implementing measures to minimize dysbiosis, a condition linked to the severity of Food Allergies (FAs), is essential. Breastfeeding emerges as a fundamental practice in reducing intestinal inflammation, with Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) playing a prebiotic role in this context. Future strategies may include interventions to positively modulate the composition of the gut microbiota, especially in children with a family history of atopy.