The combination of antibiotic treatment and consumption of sugary foods can damage the gut microbiome and leave people vulnerable to dangerous infections.
elchi reports that in a new study published in the journal *Nature*, researchers investigated changes in gut bacteria in hospitalized cancer patients who received long-term antibiotic treatment prior to a stem cell transplant.
Because cancer patients undergoing treatment only consume hospital-prepared meals, researchers were able to precisely track the types and amounts of nutrients they consumed. The gut microbiome is known to perform important functions such as aiding digestion, producing vitamins, supporting the immune system, and communicating with the brain in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Study on Hospitalized Patients
The study, led by scientists from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, and City of Hope Cancer Center, analyzed over 1,000 stool samples and more than 9,400 hospital meals from 173 patients.
Dr. Jonathan Peled, a member of the research team, stated that they analyzed the effects of specific foods and macronutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, and fiber on gut bacteria.
Peled noted that sugary foods—regardless of type, and especially those with added sugar—have a significant negative impact on the microbiome when consumed in conjunction with antibiotics.
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Sugar Consumption During Antibiotic Treatment Harms Gut Bacteria
