Differences in the human microbiome—or the trillions of bacteria in and on our body that work to keep us healthy—can be seen by race and ethnicity as early as three months old, according to a recent study that Henry Ford Health contributed to.
“Research on the human microbiome has exploded within the past 10 years, but there is still a lot to learn,” says Alexandra Sitarik, a biostatistician at Henry Ford Health who worked on the study. “The microbiome helps to regulate our biological systems. Bacteria in the gut, for example, are directly linked to the immune system. That’s why it’s important in early life—the microbiome can help train the immune system to protect against illness.”
Sitarik hypothesizes these microbiome differences are due to environmental influences that stem from socioeconomic factors as opposed to biological differences, as race is a social construct.
“We think of the microbiome as a fingerprint for your environmental exposures,” she says. “In the United States, we live in a very segregated society—there are racial disparities in factors such as income, housing, stress and access to care, and because of that, a lot of differences in health outcomes.”
Environmental Factors That Affect The Microbiome In Early Life
Environmental factors that have the greatest impact on early-life microbiome include:
- Birth method. Babies who are born vaginally may have a more protective microbiome than babies born via C-section, as babies accumulate protective microorganisms in the vaginal canal during birth.
- Feeding method. Breast milk may encourage a healthier microbiome than formula, as breast milk is rich with lactic acid bacteria that bolster the immune system.
- Antibiotic exposure. Antibiotics are necessary in certain circumstances but overusing them can kill off too much of the good bacteria and cause microbiome imbalances.
Pediatrics At Henry Ford
The study didn’t determine whether one race or ethnic group had a healthier microbiome than another. But based upon the above factors, Sitarik can hypothesize that Black and Hispanic babies have less-protective microbiomes.
“This is because Black and Hispanic women are less likely to breastfeed and more likely to have C-sections due to disparities in healthcare. They often have limited access to care and support,” Sitarik says. “There could also be healthcare disparities when it comes to antibiotic exposure. Different levels of care may prescribe antibiotics more or less freely—although in general, providers are getting better about not prescribing antibiotics when they won’t be beneficial.”
How To Encourage A Healthy Microbiome
But don't worry: if you had a C-section or your baby was formula fed, it doesn’t mean their microbiome is permanently impacted.
“We have so many different exposures, some healthy, some not as healthy,” says Sitarik. “The healthy exposures can protect our microbiome from unhealthy exposures. Some exposures are not going to be perfect for your microbiome, but it’s just about trying to control what you can to give your baby the best exposures possible.”
You can also promote a healthy microbiome throughout your child’s life with a healthy diet—a high intake of fruits and vegetables when they’re old enough to eat them—along with fresh air, exercise and creating a supportive, low-stress environment.
“The microbiome is variable—it doesn’t necessarily look the same from day to day,” says Sitarik. “Once you have a bad microbiome, it’s not necessarily locked in. It’s never too late to encourage a healthy microbiome.”
Reviewed by Alexandra Sitarik, MS, a biostatistician IV at Henry Ford Health.
