What affects the immune system of babies and how to avoid food allergies

Serotonin builds a strong immune system thanks to gut bacteria

Depositphotos

Colonies of beneficial bacteria populate the baby’s gut, which produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, commonly known as the hormone of happiness.

It teaches the immune cells of the gut to coexist with other beneficial gut microbes and to accept all foods normally.

This is stated in the study, published in the journal Science Immunology, writes Forbes.

“The gut is the second human brain, because it produces more than 90% of the neurotransmitters in the human body.

Neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, are best known for their role in brain health, and neurotransmitter receptors are located throughout the human body.”– explained Dr. Melody Zeng, associate professor of the Department of Immunology and senior author of the study.

Scientists conducted research on mice, and then confirmed their assumptions and conclusions in humans.

For example, they determined that a certain type of intestinal cell, called enterochromaffin cells, produces neurotransmitters in the adult body. But in babies, most of the serotonin is produced by intestinal bacteria.

“We found that gut bacteria in young mice not only directly produce serotonin, but also downregulate an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. It’s the enzyme that normally breaks down serotonin, thus keeping it high in the gut.”, – said co-author of the study, assistant in pediatrics Catherine Sanidad.

High levels of serotonin in the gut of newborns increase the number of immune cells called T-regulatory cells.

These cells then prevent the immune system from overreacting and attacking food antigens or gut-friendly bacteria.

The scientists also analyzed stool samples from human babies thanks to a biobank created by Zeng’s lab in collaboration with New York Presbyterian Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women and Newborns.

The researchers emphasized that babies should have good bacteria in their intestines immediately after birth.

The scientists also found out why children born in rich countries may have fewer T-regulatory cells and are at greater risk of suffering from food allergies or developing an immune response to beneficial gut bacteria.

They explain this by unhealthy diets and the use of ultra-processed products, which also affect the formation of immunity.

“If the infant’s immune system is properly trained, it will recognize that things like peanuts and eggs – that’s fine and she doesn’t need to attack them”the scientist added.

We will remind, scientists too investigatedhow communication with an infant can affect a child’s speech and vocabulary.