Cesarean Section And Breastfeeding Practices Influence Infant Gut Microbiota, May Affect Health In Later Life

Method of birth (vaginal birth s. cesarean delivery) and feeding practices (breastfeeding v. formula-feeding) influence the development of gut bacteria in newborns and thus may affect lifelong health, according to a new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). Bacteria in the gut play an important role in health, helping digest food, stimulating the development of the immune system, regulating bowels and protecting against infection. Disruption of the gut microbiota has been linked to a range of diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, asthma, cancer and others...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy / Obstetrics Source Type: news