Over-40s on antibiotics ‘nearly 50 per cent more likely to develop Crohn’s disease’

The researchers recorded 36,000 cases of colitis and nearly 17,000 new cases of Crohn’s disease

The researchers followed more than six million people in Denmark for more than 10 years (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Frequent use of antibiotics could increase the likelihood of developing Crohn’s disease or colitis by nearly 50% amongst the over-40s, a new study has suggested.

Researchers followed more than six million people in Denmark for more than 10 years and found that taking antibiotics was linked to an increase in risk of inflammatory bowel disease.

The study suggested that the effects appear to be cumulative and an impact was seen in all age groups, but in particular for the over-40s.