A new study shows that giving babies antibiotics too early might actually block the growth of insulin-making cells, increasing the risk of type 1 diabetes later in life.
I’ve gone over the negative impact antibiotics can have on the gut and its association with T1D, but a quick summary is that assuming a concerning pathogen is of bacterial origin, yes, the antibiotic can take it out.
But it will also compromise a large portion of good gut microbes present, as well.
Which leaves that infant human (& adult, if taking an antibiotic, let alone chronically) more vulnerable to a dysfunctional immune system.
So yes, turns out nuking baby gut bugs can come back to bite them…
…in the pancreas!
Researchers found there’s a crucial baby window (ages 7–12 months) when specific gut microbes—yes, from actual baby poop—help the pancreas grow beta cells, the MVPs that make insulin.
And the star gut bug of the show?
A fungus named Candida dubliniensis, which sounds like a Bond villain because it generally can cause some harm throughout the body among those with weakened immunity.
But in this particular case, it actually saves an infant’s blood sugar.
In mouse studies, this magical microbe cut diabetes risk from 90% to 15%—and even regenerated insulin cells in diabetic adults.
Bottom line?
Not all germs are bad—some might just be your kid’s best chance at avoiding a lifelong diagnosis.
So maybe hold off on the antibiotics or do a little bit more research on them.
There are times when they are medically necessary, but they are being used more frequently nowadays.
Cheers to your gut health! 🥂🦠💩
Done in a minute.
I’ll see you next week. 😉