Early Life Events With Microbiota Mediated Effects on Brain Functions

Abstract

Gut microbiota of a child goes through very dynamic changes during first three years of life. In parallel, development of central nervous system occurs, making early childhood one of the most sensitive periods for both processes. Early life events which can disturb optimal microbiota development may also have detrimental effects on neurodevelopment due to bidirectional communication between microbiota and CNS in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Factors like early life antibiotic, intestinal infections, perinatal stress, changes in diet or probiotic treatments may induce alterations in microbiota composition with long lasting effects on mental health.