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Never underestimate biology!
During the study, blood tests were conducted at birth, after 10 months and then again after 18 months to determine the levels of Immunoglobin E (IgE) present. Higher IgE levels are typically indicative of an increased risk of allergies and asthma.
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“Although we can’t say there’s a cause and effect relationship, we can say the microbes a child is exposed to early on in life will affect their immune system development,” the Henry Ford allergist fellow continued.
The findings of the study echoed that of a2013 study in Sweden, which hypothesized that the microbes present in parents’ saliva might be responsible for stimulating their children’s immune system.
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However, Dr. Abou-Jaoude went on to say that further research needed to be conducted before a definitive conclusion could be reached.
“The same way that children can get good bacteria, they can also get bad bacteria,” Dr. Abou-Jaoude toldNBC News.
Whasun “Sun” Oh Chung, a University of Washington School of Dentistry research professor, echoed this sentiment, tellingTodaythat while “saliva is a very versatile tool,” it can also transmit germs and bacteria that can cause cavities.
Todayreported that the researchers plan to follow up with the mothers and their children over the years to document which of the children involvedwill go on to develop allergiesand asthma.
source: people.com
