The gut microbiome has become a scientific frontier, reshaping our understanding of health. Its reach extends far beyond digestion—affecting emotions, metabolism, immunity, and even how the brain develops. Now, researchers suggest its influence may begin earlier than we thought: during pregnancy.
A new study in The Journal of Immunology reveals a striking link between maternal gut health and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While past research connected gut bacteria to mood disorders and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and type 1 diabetes, this investigation shifts the focus to autism—a neurodevelopmental condition that alters communication, behavior, and social interaction.
According to John Lukens, PhD, from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, “The microbiome is really important to the calibration of how the offspring’s immune system is going to respond to an infection, injury, or stress. It can shape the developing brain in multiple ways.” The surprising finding: the mother’s …
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