Friday , September 20 2024

Antibiotics and junk food at risk for children’s intestines, new study finds

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Melbourne : A new study suggests that consumption of antibiotics and junk food may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children. The disease usually causes fatigue, diarrhea, stiffness, abdominal pain, and digestive problems.

A meta-analysis of 36 survey studies involving nearly 6.4 million children found that giving antibiotics before the age of five tripled the risk of IBD. Indian-origin author Nisha Thakur, a dietitian at the University of Newcastle in Australia who led the study, said cases of IBD in children are on the rise around the world. Children with IBD affect their rate of growth and puberty. Therefore, parents should be aware of the causes of this condition and the changes affecting it.

The results of the revision, presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2023, found that lower socioeconomic status was associated with a 65 percent lower risk of childhood IBD. Because they used very little outside junk food. In addition, Nisha Thakar said that a higher intake of vegetables and having only one toilet were also found to be protective. Studies have found that exposure to pets during childhood strengthens the immune system.