A new study has raised concerns over the potential long-term effects of antibiotics given to infants, revealing a link between early-life antibiotic exposure and the early onset of puberty in girls.
Researchers in China studied nearly 1,000 children aged 6 to 12 and discovered that girls who had been exposed to certain antibiotics as infants were more likely to experience early puberty. The study specifically identified two classes of antibiotics—tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones—as being most strongly associated with the shift in developmental timing.
The scientists analyzed urine samples and found traces of 33 different antibiotics in the children, suggesting widespread and early exposure. According to the findings, higher levels of antibiotic residues in the body correlated with earlier signs of puberty, such as breast development and other physical changes that typically occur later in adolescence.
While the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, experts say the findings are consistent with previous research indicating that antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, potentially influencing hormonal development and metabolism.
“This is a red flag for how we use antibiotics in young children,” said Dr. Mei Zhang, a pediatric endocrinologist not involved in the study. “Antibiotics are crucial when needed, but unnecessary use could have unintended consequences for long-term health.”
The research adds to growing concerns about the overuse of antibiotics in childhood. Previous studies have linked early antibiotic exposure to increased risks of obesity, weakened immune response, and now, potentially altered timing of puberty.
Health professionals are urging parents and caregivers to be cautious and to use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary, emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor rather than relying on antibiotics as a default treatment for common childhood illnesses.
As more is learned about the ways antibiotics may affect child development, experts say it’s essential to balance the short-term benefits with potential long-term risks. Further studies are planned to explore whether similar effects are seen in boys and to better understand the underlying biological mechanisms.
For now, the message is clear: when it comes to antibiotics, less can sometimes be more.
