Can a mother’s gut health influence how her children grow, behave, and even handle stress? This study suggests the answer is yes. Researchers focused on mice that are naturally more sensitive to stress and tend to provide lower levels of maternal care—factors that can negatively affect their offspring.

These mothers also showed signs of poor gut health, including an imbalanced microbiome, lower levels of beneficial compounds, and a “leakier” gut. All of this was linked to inflammation, metabolic issues, and less attentive caregiving.

To see if this could be improved, researchers gave the mothers a simple supplement—sodium propionate (a substance naturally produced by good gut bacteria)—through their drinking water after birth. The results were striking. Mothers that received the supplement showed better caregiving behaviors, such as building better nests and responding more quickly to their pups.

Their offspring, especially males, also benefited. As they grew, they were less anxious, more social, and showed better short-term memory. They also had healthier metabolism, including less fat accumulation and improved markers related to energy balance. These improvements were linked to positive changes in their gut bacteria and better gut function.

Interestingly, the effects were much stronger in male offspring, while females showed only minor changes.

The big takeaway: supporting a mother’s gut health—even after birth—can have meaningful, long-term effects on her offspring’s brain, behavior, and physical health. It also highlights that these effects can differ between males and females, pointing to a more personalized approach in future treatments.