Many people have unconsciously used antibiotics over the years. The use of antibiotics, which must be written with a doctor’s prescription, can be dangerous, especially in infants and children. Studies suggest that people who took antibiotics as infants may have a higher risk of bowel problems later in life. Scientists at the University of Melbourne in Australia have found that those given drugs in infancy may be at risk for poor gut health in adult life.
BABIES CAN EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS LIKE GASTRITIS WHEN GROWING
They explain that preterm and low-birth-weight infants are often given antibiotics to prevent infection.
This could mean that babies given antibiotics can grow up and have gastrointestinal issues. These can include conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, food poisoning, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
THE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTIC USE WILL BE INVESTIGATED
The antibiotic study was performed on newborn mice. Experts noted that although mice are similar to humans in many ways, they have more immature intestines. However, their guts and nervous systems are less complex than humans, and medics added that their findings cannot yet be directly linked to human children and infants. More research will now be done on the effect of antibiotics on the gut and how it varies for the different sexes. The experts said they will also look at how the use of antibiotics early in life affects metabolism and brain function.