THE ROLE OF THE MATERNAL MICROBIOME IN GUT DEVELOPMENT

The first 1000 days of an infant's life, from conception to the age of two, are a critical period for growth and development (Liu et al., 2019). The gut microbiome, or the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of an individual (Santacruz et al., 2010). Research has shown that the gut microbiome can impact a range of health outcomes, including immune system development, metabolism, and cognitive function (Cryan & Dinan, 2012).