From Microbes to Minds: The Impact of Gut Bacteria on Infant Cognitive Growth Publisher Pubmed



Rahimkhani M ; Hosseini M
Source: CNS and Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Published:2026

Abstract

Recent advances underscore the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in shaping infant brain development, emphasizing how the diversity and function of microbial communities regulate neurodevelopmental processes. This review synthesizes current literature on how maternal and early-life microbial exposures influence the infant gut ecosystem, producing cascading effects on cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Perturbations in gut microbial composition during sensitive developmental windows may increase the risk of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, research highlights the significance of the gut-brain axis, particularly the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on both microbiome composition and neurodevelopment. This review aims to provide an integrated overview of current evidence and to outline future directions for microbiota-targeted interventions that may enhance cognitive and neurological outcomes in children. 2026, Bentham Science Publishers