If you use disinfectant antibacterial household cleaners, you may not be doing your children any good. In offspring, there are changes in the microbiome, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity.
Canadian scientists examined the intestinal flora of 757 three- to four-month-old children from the general population and determined the weight at the age of 1 and 3 years. The results were then related to the use of various commercially available household cleaners.
The strongest association with an altered intestinal flora was the frequent use (at least once a week) of a disinfectant all-purpose cleaner. Here the researchers found a reduction of Haemophilus and Clostridia in the stool of the babies, as well as higher levels of Lachnospiraceae. When using environmentally friendly products, these changes were not detectable.
At the age of three, the Body Mass Index (BMI) of children from households with disinfectant detergents was significantly higher than that of children without such exposure in infancy.
Children with frequent use of environmentally friendly cleaning products also showed a change in microbial activity with an increase in Enterobacteriaceae. Children from these households had a lower risk of being overweight in infancy, but this was not associated with the altered intestinal flora. Here the researchers suspect other influencing factors such as better overall health behavior in households using organic products.
The possible relationship between disinfectant cleaning products, microbiome and overweight should be investigated in further studies, the authors write. The exact composition of the detergents should also be taken into account.
Bibliography sources:
Differding MK et al. Are household disinfectants microbially mediated obesogens? CMAJ 2018; 190(37): E1095-E1096.
Household cleaning products may contribute to kids’ overweight by altering their gut microbiota. MedicalXpress, 17.09.2018
Mon H. Tun et al. Postnatal exposure to household disinfectants, infant gut microbiota and subsequent risk of overweight in children, CMJA (2018) Sep 17;190(37): E1097-E1107
