Microbiome Intervention

Fermented foods consumed daily are described as more impactful than fiber alone for increasing microbial diversity. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing is preferred over PCR panels for infant gut testing. Antimicrobials are not recommended for infants and may be contraindicated until at least age five. Continuous probiotic use for five or more months can suppress natural diversification after solids are introduced. Infant and young-child dysbiosis should generally be addressed by boosting Bifidobacteria rather than killing pathogens. Probiotic selection should be based on testing and strain-specific deficiencies. Vaginal seeding may be an option for C-section deliveries when the mother's vaginal microbiome is Lactobacillus-dominant, but evidence is mixed and a dysbiotic sample could cause harm.