“Disturbing” gut microbiome trend in US infants found to raise allergies and chronic health issues risk

Persephone Biosciences has found that 76% of US infants’ gut microbiomes put them at risk for developing allergies, asthma, eczema, and dermatitis. The My Baby Biome study claims that a deficiency in Bifidobacteria, a gut microbe that thrives on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), is the culprit. The company will launch a synbiotic to tackle this crisis in response to these findings.

The study, published in Communications Biology, is touted to be the largest and most comprehensive investigation of infant microbiome in the US. They analyzed 412 stool samples from babies aged four weeks to 12 weeks with a diverse representation, factoring in race, geography, method of birth, and socioeconomic background.

The analysis suggests that disruptions in babies’ gut microbiomes are strongly linked to childhood allergic diseases. 

“The scale and diversity of this cross-sectional study are unparalleled. The results show that disruptions in babies’ gut microbiomes are strongly linked to childhood allergic diseases and point to potential methods to prevent allergic diseases and other chronic inflammatory childhood diseases,” says Richard Insel, M.D., Persephone’s chief medical advisor and research professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry and former head of Pediatric Health and Wellness at Kenvue, a personal health solutions company.

Disturbing trends 

Although the study will run over seven years, researchers argue that the initial findings already reveal “disturbing trends.”

Babies missing Bifidobacteria — once common in gut microbiomes — may face lifelong immune health consequences.Out of the subjects, 25% lacked Bifidobacterium altogether. This is an essential component of the microbiome that protects babies from chronic illnesses, researchers stress. They will continue comparing the stool microbiome over time.

According to previous data, Bifidobacteria were once a key component of US infants’ microbiomes.

“These findings provide strong evidence that today’s infants now lack crucial bacteria once central to healthy microbiome development,” says Stephanie Culler, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Persephone Biosciences. 

“This loss of key microbes during early childhood development may have long-term consequences for immune health. Our goal is to pioneer clinical studies that seek to expose and understand these microbiome deficiencies where they exist and then to utilize that data and develop solutions to create better health outcomes.”

Upcoming synbiotic launch

The company will launch an infant and toddler synbiotic this year to help support gut and immune health. It will combine four probiotic strains — “never before used together” — with HMOs and vitamin D. The supplement is currently undergoing testing.

“In my over 50 years as a pediatric clinician and researcher, this is one of the most insightful studies I’ve worked on,” comments Insel. 

In other news, combining chicory-derived inulin-type fructans with the HMO 2’-fucosyllactose has synergistic effects on toddler gut microbiota, according to Beneo Institute’s preclinical research.

Nutrition Insight met with dsm-firmenich to discuss its latest HMO and prebiotic research, advancements, and innovations.