Rutgers Health researchers have identified potential long-term risks associated with frequent antibiotic use in infants and young children. The study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, examined antibiotic exposure data from over 1 million babies in the United Kingdom and linked early and frequent use to higher risks of asthma, food allergies, and hay fever by age 12.
Lead author Daniel Horton, a core member of the Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science at Rutgers, emphasized the dual role of antibiotics. "Antibiotics play a critical role in combatting bacterial infections, but physicians should be judicious when prescribing antibiotics to children under 2, as frequent use may affect long-term health outcomes," Horton stated.
The research also explored other conditions but did not find consistent links between antibiotic use and autoimmune diseases or neurodevelopmental disorders. Some indications of a connection to intellectual disabilities were observed, warranting further investigation.
"Antibiotics are important and sometimes life-saving medicines, but not all infections in young kids need to be treated with antibiotics," Horton added. He advises parents to consult with healthcare professionals regarding appropriate treatment courses for their children.
The study was a collaborative effort including coauthors from Rutgers Health, NYU Medical Center, and Stanford University School of Medicine. The team comprised Matthew Beier, Soko Setoguchi, Tobias Gerhard, Jason Roy, Dawn Koffman, Dinesh Mendhe, Joanna Madej, Brian Strom, and Martin Blaser. The research underscores the necessity for continued study into the effects of antibiotic use in young children.
