Up to now, there have been hundreds of cases of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in China. A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics recently showed that the composition of microbes in the intestinal tract of children is related to the incidence of MIS-C.
This study compared the gut microbiota composition of post-vaccination MIS-C patients, infected children, and healthy children, including 25 children diagnosed with MIS-C, 20 infected children, and 19 healthy children. .
The researchers assessed gut microbiota composition by genetic sequencing and observed that the MIS-C group had a relatively high number of Bacteroidetes and a relatively low number of Firmicutes in the MIS-C group, and a relatively low number of Firmicutes in the MIS-C group compared with the control group. Faecalibacterium pratense was found to be reduced in the gut microbiota of MIS-C cases compared to healthy controls. The researchers assessed the microbiota composition in MIS-C cases and found significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota:
- Clostridium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) reduction in MIS-C and infected children
- Increase in Eggerthella lenta linked to autoimmunity
Eggerthella lenta and Clostridium: Species associated with asthma
Eubacterium dolichum: Linked to obesity
Clostridium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii): Gram-positive bacteria are one of the most abundant and important commensal bacteria in the human gut
Alterations in the gut microbiota may be part of the pathogenesis of MIS-C susceptibility factors, the researchers said, “and more extensive studies on the causality of these changes in microbiota composition and their impact on long-term outcomes would be beneficial. .” But the number of studies in this study on children is still limited.
However, dramatic changes in the composition of the gut microbiota were observed in individuals with MIS-C, including a decrease in F. prausnitzii, an increase in Eggerthella lenta, and an increase in Eubacterium dolichum associated with obesity.
Probiotic selection should not be kidnapped by “count of bacteria”
In response to the results of this study, how should children’s gut bacteria be selected to help prevent the occurrence of MIS-C? Ma Fengyin, a nutritionist from Heho Health, suggested that there are many types of probiotics. In addition to choosing a trusted brand and continuing to consume it, the most important thing is that it takes time for the flora to build up, so just thinking regarding it will have little effect.
In addition, don’t be kidnapped by the number of bacteria in the selection of probiotics. Most people adjust the bacteria phase and ingest 5-10 billion bacteria. Unless it is for immune adjustment, you need to eat a high amount. “Compared to these, you should pay attention to Whether there are added pigments and spices, health food is the same as food, the simpler the ingredients, the better.”
Nutritionist Ma Fengyin said that even if it has been diagnosed, the immune system is in a damaged stage, and immune function must rely on immune cytokines, so enough protein can enhance immunity, and you can eat more high-quality protein such as fish and chicken in your diet. , tofu or eggs.
In addition, probiotics and dietary fiber are also indispensable.Probiotics, Without food, the intestinal barrier cannot be repaired and immunity cannot be improved. Dietary fiber is an important food source for probiotics. Sufficient dietary fiber can not only make probiotics full, but also ferment fiber into short-chain fatty acids, supply energy to intestinal cells, make the villi healthier, not only improve the ability to resist viruses, but also increase the chance of inflammation. also declined.
To supplement dietary fiber, you can consume more dark green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables or fruits in your daily diet, choose fruits and vegetables of different colors as much as possible, increase the intake of phytochemicals, and reduce the inflammatory response in the body.
Text/Photo by Li Zhihan/Wu Yihua
Further reading:
COVID-19/Children’s MIS-C will peak!Doctors estimate more than 100 cases, parents should be alert to five common symptoms
What is the difference between MIS-C and Kawasaki disease?Experts analyze from symptoms, treatment, and predisposing age
Children’s MIS-C worries parents!Traditional Chinese Medicine 1 tea can prevent the future
