A newly published large-scale study serves as a reminder that common medications we take daily may have a long-term, unnoticed impact on gut health.
A research team from the Genomics Institute at the University of Tartu's Gene Center in Estonia used the vast database of the Estonian Biobank to track the medication use and gut microbiota changes of tens of thousands of participants. The results showed that many common prescription drugs, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux, benzodiazepines for sedation and hypnosis, and certain antihypertensive drugs, can still significantly alter the balance of gut microbiota years after discontinuation. The effects of some drugs can even persist for more than a decade.
The study points out that these drugs do not only act on the stomach or nervous system during use, but may also indirectly disrupt gut microbiota diversity by inhibiting gastric acid secretion, altering the gut environment, or affecting immune responses. In the long run, a decrease in "good" bacteria and an increase in "bad" bacteria in the gut may trigger a series of health concerns. For example, it can lead to decreased immune function, metabolic disorders, weight gain, and even increased risk of chronic inflammation and cancer.
The gut is often called the "second brain," and its microbiome is closely linked to the immune system, mood, metabolism, and brain function. This finding serves as a reminder that medications don't just provide short-term benefits; they can also have unexpected long-term effects. Researchers emphasize that this doesn't mean people should immediately stop taking medication, but rather urge doctors to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the potential impact of drugs on the gut microbiota when prescribing them, especially for long-term users.
In the future, scientists plan to further explore how different drugs specifically alter the structure of the gut microbiota and whether these changes can be reversed through probiotics or dietary interventions. In other words, this research not only reveals the complex relationship between drugs and gut health but also provides new directions for personalized medicine and precision medicine.
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