Gut Talk Series: Probiotics and maternal nutrition

Pregnancy is a natural process of growth and development, in which many physiological changes occur, including changes in body composition, weight gain, hormonal levels, inflammation, and metabolic states. These multiple changes can impact gut function and microbiome composition, affecting both mother and child health. Probiotics can influence the maternal microbiota and there are indications for a protective role of specific strain in gestational diabetes mellitus, allergic diseases and mental health, such as decrease in anxiety and post-partum depression.