Antibiotics in Infants May Be a Double-Edged Sword for Immune Health

Scientists find a link between gut microbiome disruption from antibiotics and increased asthma susceptibility.
Antibiotics in Infants May Be a Double-Edged Sword for Immune Health
GOLFX/Shutterstock
|Updated:
0:00
The antibiotics that make babies better when they get an infection might be setting them up for respiratory troubles down the road.
A recent research study has found a link between early-life antibiotic use and the development of asthma and allergies in adulthood, challenging our understanding of these common medications and their long-term effects on health.

Australian Study Suggests Gut-Lung Connection

The study was conducted in Australia and published in the journal Immunity. Researchers studying mice found that a molecule produced by gut bacteria—known as indole-3-propionic acid (IPA)—is significantly depleted when antibiotics are used in early life.
Henry Jom
Henry Jom
Author
Henry Jom is a reporter for The Epoch Times, Australia, covering a range of topics, including medicolegal, health, political, and business-related issues. He has a background in the rehabilitation sciences and is currently completing a postgraduate degree in law. Henry can be contacted at [email protected]
twitter
Related Topics