The Role of Probiotics in Prenatal Health: Study Sheds Light on Benefits for Moms and Babies
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A recent study conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine found that administering probiotics to pregnant mice can improve both the immune system and behavior of the mothers and their offspring.
The study results have been published online in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms like bacteria, support healthy digestive and immune systems. Numerous studies have confirmed their benefits, and they are generally regarded as safe to use during pregnancy.
The authors discovered that the probiotic Bifidobacterium dentium might alter the body’s processing of specific amino acids, including tryptophan. During pregnancy, tryptophan plays a role in regulating inflammation and supporting brain development.
Researchers has investigated how prenatal stress can result in atypical brain development and behavioural alterations in offspring. Their findings indicate that stress is associated with changes in brain inflammation, amino acid metabolism, and long-term reductions in social behaviour, along with abnormal microbiomes in the offspring.
This study advances their knowledge of how gut microbes and probiotics can affect amino acid metabolism and address behavioural and immune issues related to prenatal stress. It also underscores the significant benefits of this particular probiotic, even in the absence of stress.
Further, it is concluded that Bifidobacterium dentium can influence the immune system, metabolism, and behaviour of both the mother and her baby during and after pregnancy. It might help prevent the negative effects of stress.
Reference: Galley JD, King MK, Rajasekera TA, Batabyal A, Woodke ST, Gur TL. Gestational administration of Bifidobacterium dentium results in intergenerational modulation of inflammatory, metabolic, and social behavior. Brain Behav Immun. 2024 Aug 12;122:44-57. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.08.006. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39128569.
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