When getting sick with an infection, it is common for the doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that are used to kill bacteria, and they are very important for curing infections caused by these bacteria. However, a new study from The BMJ showed that there may be a disadvantage to childhood use of antibiotics.
The study showed that excessive use of antibiotics and antacids, which help with neutralizing stomach acid, may be linked to childhood obesity. Consumption of these drugs, especially for prolonged periods of time, may change the makeup of the gut microbiome, also known as gut bacteria.
What exactly are these gut bacteria? Located in the gut are trillions of bacteria that help digest food, and the ways these bacteria help the digestive system are tremendous. For example, when consuming carbs, these gut bacteria produce enzymes that help break down the carbs that are consumed. Some gut bacteria also help synthesize vitamin B, which is essential to maintaining healthy cells.
Alteration of gut bacteria has been linked to childhood obesity. The microbiome in the gut can affect metabolism and the way the liver processes fats. Researchers have also found that gut bacteria can affect blood sugar levels and lead to diabetes and excess body fat; however, the way the composition of the gut microbiome affects obesity isn’t fully known yet.
Image Source: Peter Dazeley
The study looked at records of medications prescribed to infants during their first two years and found that 89% of the 14% of children who had become obese were prescribed antibiotics or antacids. The study found that the association between the prescription of an antibiotic and the risk of obesity was 26%. However, because this was an observational study, causation cannot be established.
A way to combat this issue is to prevent overuse of antibiotics because antibiotics could could ultimately kill the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, having a diet that encouraged a healthy gut microbiome may also help combat obesity. This study showed that while drugs are very important in aiding health, it is important to look at the long-term consequences of overusing these medications.
Feature Image Source: Victoria M – stock.adobe.com.
