Hardship Affects Gut Microbiome Across Generations; Adversity Experienced By Mothers During Their Childhood or Pregnancy Is Reflected in Their Children’s Gut Microbiomes

Hardship experienced by mothers during their own childhood or during pregnancy is reflected in the composition of their 2-year-old children’s gut microbiomes, reports an international team of scientists led by UCLA psychologists. The researchers found small to medium changes in the children’s microbiomes. The research is the first to document the transgenerational effects of adversity on the human gut microbiome.