Fig. 1.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and other metabolites derived from the maternal gut microbiota affect offspring immune system development, thus preventing allergies and metabolic diseases. Maternal intake of a soluble high fiber that includes vegetable, retinoic acid, vitamins, and probiotics promotes the production of beneficial metabolites in the maternal gut and affects offspring immune system development in a mouse model. Maternal milk and coprophagy are the possible mechanisms underlying the involvement of maternal transfer and affect the composition of the microbiota and the immune system of offspring in mice. Effects of the maternal gut microbiota on offspring during the early-life critical window may impact the future health of the offspring.