New research shows that the first bacteria introduced into the intestine have a lasting impact and may one day allow science to adjust the microbiomes, the unique microbial communities that live in our gastrointestinal tract, to help prevent serious chronic diseases. The findings come from a new study by Dr. Jens Walter of the University of Alberta, and suggest that differences in our microbial composition probably depend on when we acquired our first microorganisms after birth, and the order in which they reach our intestine. a lasting impact on how the microbiome is visualized when growing. The discovery sheds new light on how these microbiomes, which are as personal as fingerprints, are established and what drives their unique nature,
Having a long-term persistence of the microbes that colonize the intestine at the earliest ages of life means that a health-promoting biome could potentially be established by introducing beneficial bacteria immediately after birth. “I think that in 30 or 40 years we can colonize babies with specific bacteria that we know promote health and shape the microbiome in a beneficial way,” he said.
