Introduction: In recent decades, an increase in allergic diseases among children has been observed, as well as a growing proportion of births completed by cesarean section. The mode of delivery is associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota of newborns and infants. Purpose: The aim of this thesis was to examine, through a review of scientific literature, how the mode of delivery influences the composition of the intestinal microbiota in children during the first year of life, and to explore a potential association between the mode of delivery and the risk of developing food allergies in this period. Methods: A descriptive research method was used, based on a review of professional and scientific literature. The search was conducted between March and June 2025 in the online databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, and COBISS. The search process is presented in a PRISMA diagram. Only studies published in English were included. Results: Twelve studies were included in the final review. The results show significant differences in the intestinal microbiota between vaginally delivered and cesarean-born infants. Infants born by cesarean section exhibited notably lower levels of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides and higher levels of Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, and Clostridium, particularly during the first year of life. Vaginally delivered infants are exposed to their mother’s vaginal and intestinal microbiota during birth, allowing early colonization by beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Bacteroides spp. Discussion and conclusion: The findings highlight the important role of the mode of delivery in establishing a diverse and balanced intestinal microbiota. A reduced microbial diversity was observed in cesarean-born infants, particularly a decreased abundance of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, which may influence immune system development. The results also indicate an increased risk of food allergy among children born by cesarean section, although the findings are not entirely consistent, as multiple factors—such as genetic predisposition, feeding practices, and environmental influences—may contribute to the outcome.
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