Early differences in fecal microbiota composition in children may predict overweight
The factors contributing to the increasing levels of obesity in our children are unquestionably multifactorial. Some of these risk factors are always modifiable–exercise, high energy / low phytonutrient diet, stress. Some, however, may not be modifiable as the child ages. These, to a certain degree, may weigh heavier because the importance of identifying the risks BEFORE they produce obesity is the only strong method of modification. So where does that leave the overuse of antibiotics in infants?
Do pediatricians really understand the Pandora’s box they create with even one short duration of antibiotics in an infant or toddler? Can we blame pediatricians to some degree on the obesity epidemic in our children? Maybe not in the past, but going forward from here the knowledge is known–antibiotic use may very well contribute to alteration of gut flora, subsequent altering of gut derived hormonal signals, and developing obesity.