【HK01】Newborns born by C-section have nearly zero levels of some probiotics in their intestines, increasing the risk of allergies, asthma and eczema | Dr. Tsui Tsz Kwan

Research conducted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has found that bifidobacteria are almost non-existent in the intestines of newborn babies delivered by caesarean section. Bifidobacteria are a type of probiotic that can help infants build good immunity and maintain gut health, protecting them from gut and immune system-related diseases, including allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Danone Nutricia have discovered that newborn babies born via C-section have virtually no Bifidobacterium in their gut. Bifidobacterium is a probiotic species that helps infants and young children develop good immunity and maintain gut health. This situation is likely caused by C-section babies not being exposed to the mother's birth canal during the birth process.

To allergies, asthma and eczema

Researchers at the Polytechnic University collected faecal samples from 70 newborns within two weeks of birth for their study and found that Bifidobacterium was almost entirely absent in samples from babies born via Caesarean section. The medical community generally believes that Bifidobacterium can protect infants from intestinal and immune system-related diseases, including allergies, asthma, and eczema. In contrast, all 37 faecal samples collected from vaginally born and breastfed infants showed the presence of the probiotic species at a healthy level. Other overseas studies have also found that providing additional probiotic supplements to babies born via Caesarean section can help restore their intestinal probiotic levels.

Breast milk can expose babies to probiotics earlier.

Dr. Tsui Chi- Kwan, a paediatric specialist, stated: "The first few months after a baby's birth are a crucial period for establishing a strong immune system. A lack of gut probiotics, including Bifidobacterium, may affect an infant's ability to build good immunity. Various studies have also found that women who give birth via Caesarean section may experience a delayed onset of milk production, preventing newborns from being exposed to beneficial bacteria earlier. Compared to babies born vaginally, babies born via Caesarean section may have a higher chance of developing allergies, upper respiratory tract infections, and other immune system-related diseases. Breast milk is best, and it is ideal for babies to be breastfed. However, if you choose formula milk, please seek advice from your doctor."

There are 381 TP3T caesarean section babies in Hong Kong

Dr. Chloe Yau, from the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stated: "In Hong Kong, up to 38% of babies are born via Caesarean section; therefore, we hope to understand their specific nutritional needs through scientific research. Our research found that the levels of beneficial microbes in the intestines of babies born via C-section were significantly lower than those of babies born vaginally. In fact, similar findings have been reported in studies conducted in Singapore and Thailand, reflecting that the establishment of early gut microbiota composition in Asian babies born via C-section requires special attention."