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Study Reveals Medications Alter Gut Microbes in Patients

9/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Tartu Institute of Genomics-led study analyzes stool samples and prescription records from over 2,500 Estonian Biobank participants.
It finds antidepressants, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines cause lasting microbial changes.
Starting or stopping certain drugs yields predictable microbial shifts.
Dr. Oliver Aasmets urges accounting for medication history; the study published in mSystems and is grant-funded.

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Story summary

The University of Tartu Institute of Genomics-led study analyzes stool samples and prescription records from over 2,500 Estonian Biobank participants.
It finds antidepressants, beta-blockers, and benzodiazepines cause lasting microbial changes.
Starting or stopping certain drugs yields predictable microbial shifts.
Dr. Oliver Aasmets urges accounting for medication history; the study published in mSystems and is grant-funded.