A
study at the University of Alberta in Canada found that being exposed to pets
early in life may reduce the risk of developing allergies and obesity.
Researchers found that babies from families with pets, especially dogs, had
higher levels of two types of microbes that are known to lower risks of
allergies and obesity.
Families
with cats or dogs running around the house may unwittingly be protecting their
infant children from future allergies and obesity.
Research
out of Canada shows babies born into families with pets have higher amounts of
microbes tied to lower risks of obesity and allergies.
University
of Alberta epidemiologist Anita Kozyrskyj and a team of researchers analyzed
more than 700 Canadian children. They found babies exposed to pets while
in the womb or up to three months recorded an "abundance" of
ruminococcus and oscillospira, the latter of which is associated with leanness
or lower body mass index, notes the study published in the
journal Microbiome.
Kozyrskyj
said the two types of bacteria increased "twofold" when a pet was in
the house. The team said the theory is that early exposure to
bacteria — like that from a dog — creates a type of resistance.
Kozyrskyj
said unborn babies and newborns often are indirectly exposed, with the microbes
passing from pet, to mother to baby. This means a child could get the benefits
of the microbes even if the pet were removed from the home before the baby was
born.
The
findings also suggest pet exposure could cut down the risk of group B strep,
which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said could cause blood
infection, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns. Doctors treat against group B
strep by giving mothers antibiotics during the delivery process.
Kozyrrskyj
said she wouldn't be surprised if the pharmaceutical industry created a
"dog in a pill" to reap the benefits of the microbes.
Article
found here.
