Commonly used household disinfectants could increase the risk of young children becoming overweight by altering the makeup of their gut bacteria during the first few months of life, a study suggests. Babies living in households that used eco-friendly cleaners had different microbiota and were less likely to be overweight as toddlers. "Antibacterial cleaning products have the capacity to change the environmental microbiome and alter risk for child overweight," write the authors. "Our study provides novel information regarding the impact of these products on infant gut microbial composition and outcomes of overweight in the same population." The study found that children from where eco-friendly products were used were less likely to be overweight, but cautioned that may be the result of overall cleaner lifestyle habits.

Source: CBC News September 17, 2018 20:01 UTC