Maternal Gut Microbiome and Cognitive Development
Author Information
Author(s): Nohesara Shabnam, Abdolmaleky Hamid Mostafavi, Dickerson Faith, Pinto-Tomás Adrián A., Jeste Dilip V., Thiagalingam Sam
Primary Institution: Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The composition of the maternal gut microbiome influences cognitive development and impairments in offspring through epigenetic modifications.
Conclusion
The maternal gut microbiome plays a crucial role in cognitive development and may serve as a target for therapeutic interventions to prevent cognitive impairments.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal obesity is linked to lower cognitive abilities in children.
- A high-fiber diet can improve cognitive outcomes in offspring by altering maternal gut microbiota.
- Short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria are important for cognitive health.
- Maternal diet influences the gut microbiome composition, which in turn affects offspring cognition.
- Epigenetic modifications from maternal gut microbiota can impact brain development.
Takeaway
Moms' gut bacteria can affect how smart their kids are, and fixing these bacteria might help kids think better.
Methodology
This narrative review summarizes existing literature on the relationship between maternal gut microbiome alterations and cognitive impairments in offspring, focusing on epigenetic mechanisms.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the heterogeneity of study populations and the varying methodologies used in different studies.
Limitations
The review highlights the need for larger, more controlled studies to establish robust associations between gut microbiome alterations and cognitive impairment.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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