A new study reveals that the gut microbiome of pregnant mice plays a significant role in shaping the development of their offspring’s brains. Researchers compared fetal brain development in mice whose mothers had no gut bacteria to those whose mothers were given the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve during pregnancy.
The study, published today in Molecular Metabolism, found that fetuses from mothers supplemented with Bifidobacterium breve exhibited increased nutrient transport to the brain and improvements in various cellular processes related to growth. Bifidobacterium breve, a beneficial bacterium naturally found in the gut, is available as a supplement in probiotic drinks and tablets.
Pregnant women experiencing obesity or chronic stress can experience changes in their gut microbiome, which may lead to fetal growth abnormalities. Approximately 10% of first-time mothers have babies with low birth weight or fetal growth restriction. These conditions are linked to a higher risk of developmental issues such as cerebral palsy in infancy and mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia later in life.
The findings suggest that supplementing with Bifidobacterium breve could potentially enhance fetal brain development and support healthier outcomes for babies.
“Our study indicates that introducing beneficial bacteria into the maternal gut could positively affect fetal growth and development,” said Dr. Jorge Lopez-Tello, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Trophoblast Research and lead author of the study. “This could open up new approaches for treating fetal growth restrictions by focusing on gut health rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical treatments.”
Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri, senior author of the study and a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Trophoblast Research, emphasized that current treatments for fetal growth restrictions often focus on improving maternal blood flow. “Our results suggest that we may need to rethink our approach and consider enhancing maternal gut health as a potential therapeutic strategy,” she said. “Good gut health is crucial for nutrient absorption and protection against infections and diseases.”
The research was conducted in mice, allowing for precise control over genetics, environmental factors, and other microorganisms. While the results are promising, the researchers acknowledge that further studies are necessary to understand how these findings translate to human pregnancies.
The team plans to investigate how Bifidobacterium breve affects brain development postnatally and how it interacts with other gut bacteria in natural settings. Previous research by the same team has shown that Bifidobacterium breve also improves placental function, leading to better nutrient supply and fetal growth.
“Although more research is needed to determine how these effects might apply to humans, this discovery could pave the way for clinical studies exploring the maternal microbiome’s role in supporting healthy brain development before birth,” said Professor Lindsay Hall from the University of Birmingham, who also contributed to the research.
