This can change everything ⬇️

A recent study suggests that a mother’s gut health may influence her child’s risk of developing autism. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that gut bacteria affecting the immune system—specifically the molecule IL-17a—can impact brain development in mice. Mice with high levels of IL-17a during pregnancy gave birth to offspring showing autism-like behaviors.

In a follow-up experiment, transplanting gut bacteria from these mice into healthy ones led to similar behavioral changes, suggesting the gut microbiome plays a key role.

While the study was done on mice, it highlights a possible link between maternal inflammation and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Researchers caution that IL-17a also helps fight infections, so suppressing it could be risky. More human studies are needed to confirm the findings and explore possible interventions like diet or probiotics.

Overall, the research underscores how gut health, immunity, and brain development are closely connected.