18/10/2026
💊 The effects of some medications on the gut microbiome may persist long after they are taken.
A study of more than 2,500 adults found that previous medication use was consistently associated with differences in gut microbial composition — suggesting our medication history may help shape the microbiome we have today.
Long-term effects were detected across several commonly used drug classes, including antibiotics, antidepressants, psycholeptics, proton pump inhibitors and beta-blockers.
Researchers also found stronger associations among people with greater cumulative medication exposure, suggesting repeated or prolonged use may have a greater influence on gut microbial ecology.
While the study was observational and cannot establish cause and effect, the findings add to growing evidence that the gut microbiome may reflect not only current medication use, diet and lifestyle, but past exposures too.
🔗 Read the full article here: https://mindd.org/research/10-1128-msystems-00541-25/