Researchers have compiled the latest knowledge on the importance of maternal intestinal flora in the development of the child’s immune system. According to them, the effects of substances of plant origin that pregnant women ingest could pose a risk to the fetus.
- During pregnancy, the fetus is not protected against microbial metabolites that come from the maternal intestinal flora.
- The effects of substances of plant origin ingested by a pregnant woman could represent a risk for the fetus.
- Substances foreign to the body should be handled very carefully.
The intestinal flora, or intestinal microbiota, represents all the microorganisms found in the human digestive tract. These micro-organisms are called commensal: they live in symbiosis with the human body. They are non-pathogenic and contribute to the proper functioning of the body. The importance of the gut microbiota is such that scientists often refer to it as a “second brain”. Also, a healthy intestinal flora is essential for good health. In particular, it has been shown that it could have an impact on the effectiveness of antidepressants, type 2 diabetes or the growth of certain tumours. Therefore, it is not surprising that that of a pregnant woman has an influence on the development of her future baby.
In a paper published this month in the journal Science, researchers have compiled the latest knowledge on the importance of maternal intestinal flora in the development of the child’s immune system. According to them, the effects of substances of plant origin (goji berries, chia seeds, etc.) that pregnant women ingest have been underestimated in research. However, these could pose a risk to the fetus.
Scientists have always assumed that the embryo and fetus develop in a totally sterile environment in the uterus and that colonization by microbes only occurs from birth. “However, the fetus is not protected against microbial metabolites that come from the maternal intestinal flora”, notes Stéphanie Ganal-Vonarburg, one of the authors of the study. According to her, the placenta only partially protects the child and the transfer of microbial substances leads to the maturation of the innate immune system of the offspring from pregnancy.
The doubt of natural substances
“It is common for pregnant women to take medication with great caution and only after consulting their doctor, as many medications can cross the placenta and interfere with the development of the child. However, much less is known about which natural substances in food can be passed on to the unborn child and how this can benefit or harm the development of the child’s immune system.continues Stéphanie Ganal-Vonarburg.
She and her colleague Andrew Macpherson, co-author of the article, also found evidence that metabolic products from food cannot directly reach the maternal body and therefore the developing fetus. Most often this must go through the intestinal flora. According to the researchers, this phenomenon also applies to the consumption of plant-based products such as goji berries or chia seeds, foods considered very healthy.
“Although plant products are ‘natural’ substances, they are still so-called xenobiotic substances which are foreign to the body and must be handled with great care.says Andrew Macpherson. Especially when pregnant women take herbal products in large quantities.”
Further studies are needed on the subject
In conclusion, the researchers recommend studying which natural substances could have an effect, positive or not, on the development of the fetus and what influence differences in the maternal intestinal flora can have on this process.
In February, a study published in the BMJ was also interested in the intestinal flower of pregnant women. It demonstrated that the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners, such as aspartame, reputed (wrongly) to be healthier than sugar, or stevia, a natural alternative, during pregnancy would increase the body fat of the baby and disrupt his gut microbiota.
“Understanding the consequences of food ingredients on maternal metabolism and gut microbiota can help define the optimal maternal diet, which supports a healthier future for both mother and child.”, therefore explained the researchers.
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