Frequent use of antibiotics linked with increased risk of gut disease

January 11, 2023  11:02

Frequent antibiotic use is associated with an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in people over age 40, the press office of The BMJ reported.

Researchers used national medical data from 2000 to 2018 for Danish citizens aged 10 years and older. In all, more than 6.1 million people were included in the study. Of these, 5.5 million (91%) were prescribed at least one course of antibiotics between 2000 and 2018. During that time, about 36,017 new cases of ulcerative colitis and 16,881 new cases of Crohn's disease were diagnosed.

After analyzing all of the data, the researchers found that antibiotic use was associated with a higher risk of developing IBD, regardless of age. However, older age was associated with the highest risk.

Those aged 10-40 years were 28% more likely to have ECD; those aged 40-60 years were 48% more likely, and those over 60 years were 47% more likely. The risk was cumulative, with each successive course increasing the risk by 11%, 15%, and 14%, depending on the age group. The highest risk of all was among those who were prescribed five or more courses of antibiotics.

The scientists note that this is a review study, and they can't determine the cause. It's probably because antibiotics can destroy the microflora that protects the gut from various exposures.

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