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Study Reveals Prescription Drugs Alter Gut Microbiome Significantly

9/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A University of Tartu study shows that past prescription drugs significantly affect the gut microbiome.
Analysis of stool samples and prescription records from 2,509 adults revealed that 89.8% of 186 assessed drugs impacted gut microbes.
Long-term effects were observed for 78 drugs, with benzodiazepines affecting the microbiome similarly to antibiotics.
Previous use of proton pump inhibitors can alter microbiome composition years later.
The study, published in mSystems, calls for further research on drug effects on gut health.

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Story summary

A University of Tartu study shows that past prescription drugs significantly affect the gut microbiome.
Analysis of stool samples and prescription records from 2,509 adults revealed that 89.8% of 186 assessed drugs impacted gut microbes.
Long-term effects were observed for 78 drugs, with benzodiazepines affecting the microbiome similarly to antibiotics.
Previous use of proton pump inhibitors can alter microbiome composition years later.
The study, published in mSystems, calls for further research on drug effects on gut health.