Researchers Develop 1-Year Microbiome Restoration Score for C-Section Infants
Updated
Updated · Technology Networks · Aug 12
Researchers Develop 1-Year Microbiome Restoration Score for C-Section Infants
3 articles · Updated · Technology Networks · Aug 12
Summary
A new restoration score measures how closely a C-section-born infant’s gut microbiome matches that of vaginally born babies at 1 year of age.
Nature Communications follow-up data showed microbiome composition at 1 week predicted the 1-year score, pointing to very early microbial patterns as a key driver of later recovery.
Children with older siblings posted higher restoration scores, likely because household contact increased exposure to beneficial bacteria.
The findings add to evidence that C-section-related microbiome disruption is not always permanent, even though delayed colonization by Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides has been linked to later risks such as asthma.
Researchers say proposed fixes including vaginal seeding and personalized probiotics remain experimental, with larger and longer safety studies still needed before routine clinical use.