The study found newborns born during the pandemic had altered gut microbes due to lockdowns, lowering rates of infection, antibiotic use and increased duration of breastfeeding. These maternal microbes also played a protective role against allergic diseases.
Lockdown Babies: Weighing up the impact on children's health
A total of 360 babies were studied by researchers at the University of Cork in Ireland. Fecal samples were analysed at six, 12 and 24 months old and allergy testing was performed at 12 and 24 months. Parents and carers filled in questionnaires about the children’s diet, home environment and health.
The newborns were found to have more of the beneficial microbes acquired after birth from their mother. These maternal microbes could be playing a protective role against allergic diseases.
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