Early life corresponds to the first bacterial colonization of the digestive tract, creating a microbiome thought to play an important role in human development. What might be the effect of early exposure to antibiotics on children's development? One study followed 11,532 full-term babies all born in the county of Avon (United Kingdom) during 1991 and 1992. Exposures to antibiotics during infancy were recorded, along with measures of body mass at regular intervals over several years. The researchers found that antibiotic exposure during the first six months of life was associated with increased body mass later in childhood. What can we reasonably conclude from this study?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study found an association between early-life antibiotic exposure and increased body mass later in childhood. However, it does not indicate causation or that antibiotic exposure leads to obesity directly. Therefore, the best conclusion is that early-life antibiotic exposure may lead to increased body mass in children. The other choices (B, C, and D) overstate the findings of the study.

Early Life Corresponds to the First Bacterial Colonization of the Digestive