Diet, breastfeeding and even passive smoking during early childhood influence the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases, according to researchers.
- A study reveals that breastfeeding, late introduction of solid foods and the absence of passive smoking during early childhood could reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease.
- According to them, it is between 0 and 3 years of age that exposure to these factors most influences the risk of IBD. This period is in fact crucial for the development of the intestinal microbiota.
- Research states that children exposed to tobacco smoke have a 23% increased risk of developing these diseases.
At least 200,000 people are affected by it in France. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease, are characterized by inflammation of the lining of part of the digestive tract, due to dysregulation of the intestinal immune system. A new study, conducted in Quebec and published in the journal Digestive and Liver Diseaselooked at risk factors that are still little studied in early childhood, including exposure to passive smoking, diet and breastfeeding.
Early childhood, crucial for the intestinal microbiota
“Our results suggest that children exposed to certain environmental factors early in life may have an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease later in life.”say researchers from the University of Montreal in a press release. According to them, it is between 0 and 3 years of age that exposure to these factors most influences the risk of IBD. This period is in fact crucial for the development of the intestinal microbiota, an ecosystem of microorganisms playing an essential role in digestive health.
Unsurprisingly, diet is directly involved in this phase of development. The study, carried out on nearly 2,800 people, reveals that introducing solid foods too early, between 3 and 6 months, could slightly increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease. Specialists recommend waiting at least 6 months before introducing solid foods, in order to promote optimal development of the microbiota.
Likewise, (exclusive) breastfeeding also plays a protective role, reducing the risk of Crohn’s in breastfed children. These results are consistent with existing nutritional recommendations that encourage exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months.
Passive smoking, an underestimated risk of Crohn’s disease
Passive smoking, already recognized for its harmful effects on general health, also appears to be a risk factor for IBD: children exposed to tobacco smoke in their first three years of life have a 23% increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease. A striking figure, especially since this increase is only partially explained by active smoking in adulthood. “This is a first, and it reinforces the importance of limiting children’s exposure to tobacco smoke to prevent these chronic diseases”conclude the scientists.
