Gut Microbe Deficiency in U.S. Babies Tied to Asthma, Allergies, Autoimmune Disorders

image via New Scientist

July 8, 2025, 5:30 PM

• •More than 75% of babies in a recent U.S. study were deficient in key gut bacteria.
• •These deficiencies were linked to a higher risk of developing allergies, asthma, or eczema.
• •Factors like antibiotic use and over-sanitization may contribute to these microbiome changes.

A recent U.S. study found that a majority of babies are deficient in essential gut bacteria, putting them at increased risk of developing allergies, asthma, or eczema. The research, part of the My Baby Biome project, analyzed the gut microbiomes of over 400 infants from across the U.S. The study revealed that the absence of specific bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, correlated with a higher likelihood of these health issues by age two. Researchers suggest that factors such as modern living conditions, antibiotic use, and reduced breastfeeding may contribute to these concerning trends.

Read original article