Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome: Antibiotics May Cause Permanent Changes in Gut Health

A new study from researchers at Stanford University detected permanent changes in gut flora (bacteria that help the gut digest food) after two courses of the antibiotic commonly known as Cipro (ciprofloxacin.) Each person in the study had a unique set of gut flora, the composition of which fluctuated around an equilibrium that was disrupted by each course of Cipro. For some in the study, the flora was permanently altered (one person completely lost a common genus of bacteria), potentially increasing the risk of developing an Inflammatory Bowel disease such as Crohns or Colitis. "Each round of antibiotics is a roll of the dice that could lead to lasting changes in a persons' gut microbes," one of the study's lead authors told New Scientist.

Dr. Merrell's Take: The decision to take antibiotics is always a trade-off between risk and benefit. This reminds us they should not be taken without serious cause. This research also points to the potential benefit of probiotic supplements (which replace good gut bacteria) when taking antibiotics.