Infants given antibiotics more likely to be overweight later on

[Bokonon]

"Microbes in our intestines may play critical roles in how we absorb calories, and exposure to antibiotics, especially early in life, may kill off healthy bacteria that influence how we absorb nutrients into our bodies, and would otherwise keep us lean."

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/afp/giving-babies-antibiotics-could-lead-to-obesity-study

[heatherdeg]

The list of issues with infants being given abx is extensive and I don't think even the medical community realizes the ripple effect.  Yes--there are times when they might be necessary; but long ago--they were given (at any age) with a probiotic.  We need to get back to that.  Some of the better hospitals and NICUs start babies who had a course of abx on probiotics, too.  It should be standard operating procedure.

[Skippy918]

Does this hold true for all antibiotics or just oral ones?

[Bokonon]

Originally Posted by Skippy918 

Does this hold true for all antibiotics or just oral ones?

Good question.  I'd love to see more info about this.

[rnra]

Does anyone have a link to the actual research study?  From what is posted on the Yahoo page, it doesn't sound very conclusive or well-controlled.  I'd love to read more.

[heatherdeg]

Here is the study (I haven't read it)

http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ijo2012132a.html

But here is another one that discusses gut microbials in infancy and obesity

http://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2009/03000/Intestinal_Microbiota_During_Infancy_and_Its.4.aspx