Prescription history leaves lasting imprint on gut bacteria, study finds

A study of over 2,500 Estonian Biobank participants found that many common drugs, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and acid reducers, are linked to distinct gut microbiome changes that persist for years after stopping. The effects were not limited to antibiotics, suggesting past medication use may be a major factor in shaping current microbial communities. Researchers say this highlights the need to consider prescription history in microbiome studies.