Antibiotics may be at least partially to blame for the recent rise in allergies, as well as a host of other health ailments. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found a link between antibiotic use in infants, and the resulting changes in gut bacteria, with a host of ailments ranging from increased allergies and obesity to diseases later in life.

Diseases related to metabolism and the immune system are increasing at a dramatic rate.  One theory for this dramatic rise is that the changes that antibiotics cause in early gut flora leave lasting health implications.

In the case of allergies, the use of antibiotics may eradicate key gut bacteria that can help immune cells mature. These cells play an essential role in keeping the immune system functioning when confronted with allergens. Even if the gut gets the helpful bacteria back later, the immune system will remain impaired.

Early gut microflora imbalances may also be related to the development of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and obesity. Antibiotic-induced changes in the gut microbiota result in increased levels of short-chain fatty acids, which can have negative implications on metabolism.

The Fast-Changing Infant Gut

An infant’s age can be predicted within 1.3 months based on the maturity of their gut bacteria. Because the gut bacteria is so delicate and quick changing in early life, changes caused by antibiotics can have more severe health implications than they would in an adult.

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