Explore the critical role of early gut health (first 1000 days) interventions and their effects on cognitive function, immune health, and overall well-being in individuals with Down syndrome.

In today’s episode, we explore the connection between gut health and Down syndrome, focusing on the first 1000 days of life. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and brain health. Early-life interventions, such as diet and antibiotic use, significantly impact the microbiome and long-term health outcomes, especially for individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Those with DS may have unique microbiome imbalances that affect gastrointestinal, immune, and cognitive health, but early interventions like prebiotics and probiotics can help promote a healthier microbiome.

Research shows that individuals with DS have lower microbial diversity, which may contribute to common issues like gastrointestinal disorders and cognitive delays. Proper nutrition and careful medical interventions can help improve these outcomes. As research continues, there is hope that enhancing gut health will improve well-being for people with Down syndrome.

Sources:

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• Biagi, Elena et al. “Gut microbiome in Down syndrome.” PloS One vol. 9,11 e112023. 11 Nov. 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112023
• Sorboni, Shokufeh Ghasemian et al. “A Comprehensive Review on the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Human Neurological Disorders.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews vol. 35,1 (2022): e0033820. doi:10.1128/CMR.00338-20
• Berding, Kirsten et al. “Diet and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health.” Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) vol. 12,4 (2021): 1239-1285. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa181
• Ren, Shimeng et al. “Altered Gut Microbiota Correlates with Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Children with Down's Syndrome.” European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry vol. 31,1 (2022): 189-202. doi:10.1007/s00787-021-01799-2
• Fasano, Alessio. “All Disease Begins in the (Leaky) Gut: Role of Zonulin-Mediated Gut Permeability in the Pathogenesis of Some Chronic Inflammatory Diseases.” F1000Research vol. 9 F1000 Faculty Rev-69. 31 Jan. 2020, doi:10.12688/f1000research.20510.1
• Leong, K.S.W., McLay, J., Derraik, J.G.B., et al. “Associations of Prenatal and Childhood Antibiotic Exposure with Obesity at Age 4 Years.” JAMA Network Open (2020); 3(1): e1919681. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19681
• Lu, Yankun et al. “Early-Life Antibiotic Exposure and Childhood Asthma Trajectories: A National Population-Based Birth Cohort.” Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 12,2 314. 3 Feb. 2023, doi:10.3390/antibiotics12020314

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