Microbiome at the core: Unlocking mechanisms of food allergy at the non-communicable diseases era

Non-communicable diseases, including allergies, have a growing prevalence in modern society, and many risk factors for these morbidities are programmed in childhood. The critical window of opportunity is from conception to 24 months, which is also the fundamental period for the development and maturation of the microbiota. Modern lifestyle decreases microbial exposure, hindering immunoregulatory responses and altering the commensal microbiota. This alteration predisposes individuals to the development of food allergies. The gut microbiota supports intestinal barrier function, and when this function is impaired, it can lead to cytokine production and systemic inflammation.  Prof. Bruno Barreto explained that dysbiosis is associated with increased intestinal permeability, which provides a major passage for allergens and increasing sensitization risk. It is therefore important to increase microbial diversity over time through diet, beginning with human milk especially in the first years of life. Breastfeeding positively impacts the early gut microbiome and confers protection against allergic diseases.