A new study conducted on mice reveals that the presence of the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in a mother’s gut during pregnancy may play a crucial role in the healthy development of the fetal brain.
Researchers compared the brain development of fetuses from two groups of mice: one where the mothers had no gut bacteria, and another where the mothers were given Bifidobacterium breve orally during pregnancy, with no other bacteria present in their gut. The findings showed that the fetuses of mothers who received Bifidobacterium breve experienced increased nutrient transport to the brain and positive changes in cell processes related to growth.
Bifidobacterium breve, a beneficial bacterium naturally found in the human gut, is also available as a supplement in probiotic drinks and tablets.
The study highlights the potential impact of maternal gut health on fetal development, particularly in the context of obesity or chronic stress, which can disrupt the gut microbiome in pregnant women. Such disruptions are often linked to fetal growth abnormalities, with up to 10% of first-time mothers experiencing low birth weight or fetal growth restriction. Babies affected by these issues face a higher risk of conditions like cerebral palsy, as well as mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, autism, and schizophrenia later in life.
These findings suggest that taking Bifidobacterium breve supplements during pregnancy might support healthier fetal brain development, reducing the risk of future health complications.
The results of the study were published today in the journal Molecular Metabolism.
“Our study suggests that providing ‘good bacteria’ to the mother could enhance the growth and development of her baby during pregnancy,” said Dr. Jorge Lopez-Tello, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Trophoblast Research and the study’s lead author.
Dr. Lopez-Tello also noted that future treatments for fetal growth restriction might focus on improving the maternal gut microbiome through probiotics rather than relying on pharmaceutical interventions, which carry the risk of side effects.
Professor Amanda Sferruzzi-Perri, the senior author of the report and a Fellow of St. John’s College, Cambridge, emphasized the importance of gut health in nutrient absorption and protection against infections and diseases. “The design of therapies for fetal growth restriction has traditionally focused on improving blood flow in the mother,” she said. “But our results suggest we should be more focused on enhancing maternal gut health.”
The study, conducted on mice, allowed researchers to precisely control variables such as genetics, other microorganisms, and environmental factors, making it possible to assess the specific effects of Bifidobacterium breve. While the study was limited to mice, the researchers believe the effects observed are likely to be similar in humans.
The research team plans to continue their work by monitoring the brain development of the offspring after birth and exploring how Bifidobacterium breve interacts with other gut bacteria in more natural settings.
Previous research by the same team found that treating pregnant mice with Bifidobacterium breve improved the structure and function of the placenta, leading to better glucose and nutrient supply to the fetus and enhanced fetal growth.
“Although more research is needed to understand how these findings apply to humans, this discovery could lead to future clinical studies exploring the critical role of the maternal microbiome in supporting healthy brain development before birth,” said Professor Lindsay Hall of the University of Birmingham, who also contributed to the study.
While it is widely recognized that a mother’s health during pregnancy is vital for a healthy baby, the specific impact of her gut bacteria on fetal development has not been well understood—until now.
