Bad bacteria in babies’ guts could make them more likely to develop depression as adults, research claims.
Different strains of bacteria found in the gut have long been known to influence mental health – a phenomenon known as the brain-gut axis.
Up to 90 per cent of the body’s serotonin, which affects mood and cognition, is produced in the gut as it digests food.
But an unhealthy gut can lead to the release of inflammatory proteins that have been linked to anxiety and depression.
Now scientists at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) say that the type of bacteria found in the guts of babies could have an impact on their mental health as far as adulthood.
Young children with a higher prevalence of two types of bacteria – the clostridiales and lachnospiraceae strains – were more likely to have depression and anxiety later in life, they found.
Both strains of bacteria have previously been linked to depression in adults, as well as early childhood adversity, and are believed to make people more sensitive to stress factors.
Clostridiales bacteria is usually ingested through contaminated food or surfaces, but is most commonly associated with improperly cooked meat.
Bad bacteria in babies’ guts could make them more likely to develop depression as adults, research claims
Lachnospiraceae microbes are a core part of the gut microbiome, but in large numbers have been linked to certain autoimmune diseases.
‘Our study provides early evidence that gut microbes could help shape mental health during critical school-age years,’ said lead author Dr Bridget Callaghan.
‘We need to figure out what species within these larger groups are driving the findings.
‘Once we have that information, there are relatively straightforward ways to change the microbiome, like probiotics or diet, that we could use to address issues.’
