Gut colonization with methanobrevibacter smithii is associated with childhood weight development

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Dec;23(12):2508-16. doi: 10.1002/oby.21266. Epub 2015 Nov 2.

Abstract

Objective: To prospectively investigate the presence and counts of archaea in feces of 472 children in association with weight development from 6 to 10 years of age.

Methods: Within the KOALA Birth Cohort Study, a single fecal sample from each child was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to quantify archaea (Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanosphera stadtmanae). Anthropometric outcomes (overweight [body mass index {BMI} ≥ 85th percentile], age- and sex-standardized BMI, weight, and height z-scores) were repeatedly measured at ages (mean ± SD) of 6.2 ± 0.5, 6.8 ± 0.5, 7.8 ± 0.5, and 8.8 ± 0.5 years. Generalized estimating equation was used for statistical analysis while controlling for confounders.

Results: Methanobrevibacter smithii colonization was associated with an increased risk of overweight (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-7.54) from 6 to 10 years of age. Children with high levels (>7 log10 copies/g feces) of this archaeon were at highest risk for overweight (OR = 3.27; 95% CI 1.09-9.83). Moreover, M. smithii colonization was associated with higher weight z-scores (adj. β 0.18; 95% CI 0.00-0.36), but not with height. For BMI z-scores, the interaction (P = 0.008) between M. smithii and age was statistically significant, implying children colonized with M. smithii had increasing BMI z-scores with age.

Conclusions: Presence and higher counts of M. smithii in the gut of children are associated with higher weight z-scores, higher BMI z-scores, and overweight.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anthropometry
  • Body Height
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methanobacteriaceae / growth & development
  • Methanobrevibacter / growth & development*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Overweight / microbiology*
  • Prospective Studies