The researchers report in Nature Microbiology that weaning reshaped the gut microbiome—the vast community of gut microorganisms—in mice, which in turn “trained” intestinal stem cells to respond better to microbes later in life and appears to protect against inflammatory diseases long after childhood has passed.
“Weaning is a major transition for babies. As milk gives way to solid food, the gut is suddenly exposed to a much wider variety of microbes,” said co-corresponding author Dr. Lanlan Shen, professor of pediatrics—nutrition and member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor.
“This change of microbial diversity triggers a brief, controlled inflammatory response known as the weaning reaction.”
