One’s microbiome can largely determine one’s overall health and they are often studied within the health field. As the microbiome doesn’t fully develop until the age of three, many different variables can influence how the microbiome develops, and, therefore, how it affects one’s health. Recently, studies have been conducted to observe the link between a child’s microbiota and their behavioral issues. The studies were first conducted as an attempt to see if certain behavioral issues could be explained by differences in a child’s microbiota. However, the purpose of the studies has now shifted from attempting to prove a cause-and-effect link to studying the correlation between a child’s behavior and their microbiota.
As more studies are conducted, it’s possible that the findings could result in a way to predict a child’s behavior based on their microbiome. According to Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York in New Hyde Park, “research examining the clinical implications of the gut microbiome is still in its infancy.” While some research surrounding the microbiome is focused on behavioral issues in children, other studies are focused on how the microbiome appears different in those diagnosed with certain endocrine diseases. A recent study showed that teenage girls with an endocrine disorder known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have more “unhealthy” bacteria in their GI tract then the average teen. In previous studies of the relationship between PCOS and the microbiota, it has been indicated that a change in the levels of bacteria within the body, and therefore a change in one’s microbiota, could be involved with the disease.
As this disorder is distinguished by elevated testosterone levels, other issues such as obesity and an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes are also associated with the disorder. Therefore, both the disease and its side effects are factors that could result in large changes in one’s microbiota. The study described above that focused on PCOS and obesity in teen girls found that “the gut microbiome may play a role in PCOS and its related metabolic conditions” according to Dr. Melanie Cree Green, the study’s corresponding author. While this study didn’t come to any major, definitive conclusions, it’s important to note that studies like these lay down the groundwork for future research that could further our understanding of how the microbiota determines one’s health. As these studies continue, it’s possible that a new understanding of the microbiome’s importance to various aspects of the body is discovered and new ways are cultivated to support this vital body system.
References:
Gordon, Serena. “Could a Kid’s Microbiome Alter Their Behavior?” U.S. News, U.S. News, 21 Jan. 2020, https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-01-21/could-a-kids-microbiome-alter-their-behavior.
The Endocrine Society. “Teens with obesity and PCOS have more ‘unhealthy’ bacteria: Gut microbiome may play a role in PCOS and its related metabolic complications.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 23 January 2020, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200123090342.htm.
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