Researchers studied the gut bacteria of 79 asylum seekers who recently arrived in Italy from Africa to understand how stressful migration journeys affect health. They compared these newcomers’ gut bacteria to people from different parts of the world. The study found that refugees had different types and amounts of gut bacteria compared to people living in traditional rural communities. This difference might be caused by the stress, trauma, and dietary changes that come with forced migration. The loss of healthy bacteria diversity could make refugees more vulnerable to illness, suggesting that health programs should pay special attention to this vulnerable population.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How the stressful experience of fleeing one’s country and traveling to a new place affects the helpful bacteria living in people’s stomachs and intestines.
  • Who participated: 79 asylum seekers (people seeking safety) who had recently arrived in Italy from African countries. Researchers compared their gut bacteria to information from people around the world with different lifestyles and backgrounds.
  • Key finding: Refugees had noticeably different gut bacteria compared to people living in traditional rural communities. They had less variety in their bacterial communities, which may increase health risks.
  • What it means for you: If you work with refugees or are interested in public health, this suggests that newly arrived asylum seekers may need special health support. The stress and changes in diet during migration appear to harm the beneficial bacteria that help our bodies stay healthy. This is important information for doctors and health organizations serving refugee communities.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of gut bacteria at one point in time rather than following people over months or years. Scientists collected samples from 79 asylum seekers who had recently arrived in Italy from African countries. They used a special genetic test (16S rRNA gene sequencing) to identify and count all the different types of bacteria living in each person’s gut. This is like taking a detailed census of a tiny city—counting which species live there and how many of each kind. The researchers then compared these results to existing databases of gut bacteria from people all around the world, including those living in rural areas with traditional lifestyles.

Understanding how migration stress affects gut health is important because the bacteria in our intestines play a huge role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. By comparing refugees to other populations, researchers could see whether the journey itself—with its stress, trauma, and dietary changes—actually damages this important bacterial community. This type of comparison helps identify whether the problem is unique to refugees or common to all people experiencing major life changes.

This study has some strengths: it used a reliable genetic method to identify bacteria, and it compared refugees to multiple populations worldwide for context. However, the study is limited because it only captured one moment in time rather than tracking people over months to see how their bacteria change. The sample size of 79 people is moderate but not huge. The researchers didn’t have detailed information about each person’s stress levels, diet, or medical history, which could have helped explain the findings better. Additionally, this is observational research, meaning it shows differences but cannot prove that stress directly caused the bacterial changes.

What the Results Show

The main discovery was that asylum seekers had significantly different gut bacteria compared to people living in traditional rural communities in Africa and other parts of the world. Specifically, refugees showed lower microbial diversity—meaning they had fewer different types of bacteria living in their guts. This is important because having a diverse bacterial community is generally considered a sign of a healthy gut. The researchers believe this loss of diversity happened because of the stressors associated with forced migration: psychological trauma from fleeing danger, the physical stress of traveling, and major changes in diet and living conditions. When people experience chronic stress, their bodies can undergo changes that affect which bacteria survive and thrive in their intestines.

The study also found that the bacterial composition (which specific types of bacteria were present) differed between refugees and other populations studied. The patterns suggested that the journey and associated stressors—rather than just geographic origin—were the main drivers of these differences. This indicates that the refugee experience itself, not simply coming from Africa, was what changed the gut bacteria. The findings raise concerns that reduced bacterial diversity could make refugees more susceptible to infections and digestive problems, though the study didn’t directly measure these health outcomes.

Previous research has shown that stress, trauma, and major life disruptions can affect gut bacteria in various populations. This study adds important evidence that forced migration—a particularly severe form of stress—has measurable effects on gut health. The findings align with what scientists know about how psychological stress and dietary changes impact the microbiome, but this is one of the first studies specifically examining asylum seekers’ gut bacteria. The results support the growing understanding that migration-related stress is a significant health concern beyond just immediate physical dangers.

Several limitations should be considered: First, this was a snapshot study, so we don’t know whether the bacterial changes were temporary or permanent, or how long they lasted. Second, the study didn’t collect detailed information about each person’s stress levels, trauma history, diet, or how long they’d been in Italy, which could have provided better explanations. Third, with 79 participants, the sample size is moderate—larger studies might reveal different patterns. Fourth, the study is observational, meaning it shows associations but cannot prove that stress directly caused the bacterial changes. Finally, comparing refugees to worldwide populations in databases might not be a perfect comparison, as those populations may have been studied differently or have different characteristics.

The Bottom Line

Health organizations and doctors working with refugee populations should consider gut health as part of comprehensive care. This might include dietary support to help restore healthy bacteria, stress-reduction programs, and monitoring for digestive or immune-related health problems. However, these recommendations are based on observational evidence showing associations, not proven cause-and-effect. More research is needed before specific treatments can be recommended with confidence. General healthy practices—like eating diverse foods, managing stress, and regular medical check-ups—remain important for all people, including refugees.

This research is most relevant to: healthcare providers and public health organizations serving refugee and asylum seeker populations; policymakers developing health programs for migrants; researchers studying migration and health; and humanitarian organizations. While the findings are specific to asylum seekers, they may also apply to other people experiencing severe stress and major life disruptions. General readers should understand that this highlights an often-overlooked aspect of refugee health that deserves attention and resources.

Changes to gut bacteria can happen relatively quickly—sometimes within weeks or months of dietary or stress changes. However, restoring healthy bacterial diversity typically takes longer, potentially several months to a year or more, especially if stressful conditions continue. The timeline for seeing health improvements would depend on how quickly living conditions stabilize and whether targeted health interventions are provided.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users working with or supporting refugee populations could track: dietary diversity (number of different food types consumed weekly), stress levels (using a simple 1-10 scale), digestive symptoms (bloating, constipation, or diarrhea frequency), and energy levels. This creates a baseline to monitor whether interventions are helping.
  • For refugees or those supporting them: gradually introduce diverse, fiber-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) to support healthy gut bacteria; practice stress-reduction activities like walking or meditation; maintain regular meal schedules; and stay hydrated. Users could log these activities and note any changes in how they feel.
  • Set up weekly check-ins to record: meals eaten (focusing on variety), stress levels, digestive comfort, and overall energy. Over 2-3 months, patterns may emerge showing which dietary or lifestyle changes correlate with feeling better. Share this information with healthcare providers to guide personalized recommendations.

This research describes associations between refugee experiences and gut bacteria changes but does not prove direct cause-and-effect relationships. The findings are based on a single snapshot in time from 79 individuals and should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. If you are experiencing digestive problems, stress-related symptoms, or other health concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Refugees and asylum seekers should work with their healthcare providers to develop comprehensive health plans tailored to their individual needs.