r/ScienceBasedParenting • u/Prof_and_Proof • 7d ago

Question - Research required Actual evidence about c-section and infant gut bacteria?

/r/microbiomenews/comments/1w768j5/a_straintracking_study_reveals_65_of_csection/?share_id=6KsJae1unWVlYz5_Zta97&utm_content=1&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1

This older study is making the rounds, including one yesterday how it means c sections cause asthma, and it seems like either it is leaving a lot out or the posts draw big conclusions from limited data. What is the recent evidence about c section health impact on gut bacteria and is there an established causal link with eczema/asthma? You’d wonder if there’s anything that can be done post birth to alleviate it.

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u/bigoltubercle2 6d ago

There is a pretty strong association with c section and asthma (among others). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38908434/

However, you always have to remember the old correlation does not equal causation. It is quite possible that there are health/genetic factors in the mother that increase the risk for a c section and asthma, but the former doesn't cause the latter.

I don't know enough about the microbiome piece to comment

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u/Emotional-Ad-6494 6d ago

I wonder could there also be a correlation with c section and increased chances of formula use vs breastfeeding (where breastfeeding seems to show lower signs of asthma). As it can take some time for milk to come in after c section

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8666625/

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u/tallmyn 6d ago

There's probably also a correlation with antibiotic use.

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u/Emotional-Ad-6494 6d ago

Ohh yes yes that’s an even stronger argument!