3 things you can find out from Alba’s gut microbiome test
The gut microbiome is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field of study. While there is still much to learn and discover, research over the past 15 years has uncovered some key insights that are crucial for our health and wellbeing. In particular, the gut microbiome in the first years of life has been associated with common child symptoms like colic [1],[2], constipation [3] and reflux [4], as well as chronic conditions later in life, like allergy [5],[6],[7], eczema [5], asthma [8], and obesity [9].
While the adult gut microbiome is highly complex, the baby gut microbiome is simpler and certain concepts are more clearly established. The developmental trajectory is crucial – it's not just about the final state, but we need the right bacteria, at the right time, in the right order.
Three aspects that we know are important when it comes to the gut microbiome in early life are:
Gut Microbiome Diversity
Levels of Bifidobacteria
Levels of Unfriendly Bacteria
We are here to bring you the latest scientific findings and practical tips on how to apply them. Let’s explore each of these topics, understand their significance, and why learning more about them by doing a gut microbiome test can benefit your child.
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1. Gut Microbiome Diversity
From the moment we are born, our gut begins to be colonized by microbes [10],[11]. Imagine it as an empty space that gradually fills with various microbes, creating a complex ecosystem similar to a forest or garden. In this ecosystem, many different microbes must coexist in balance and harmony.
Microbial diversity refers to the richness and evenness of these microbes. High richness means there are many different types of microbes present [12],[13]. High evenness means that the types of bacteria present have even levels [12].
While for adults it is generally regarded beneficial to have high gut microbiome diversity (the higher the better) [13],[14],[15], the appropriate level of diversity in children changes with age. In fact, before introducing solid foods, a low gut microbiome diversity is associated with wellbeing [15],[16].
During the first six months of life, a lower diversity of gut microbes is associated with wellbeing [16]. As solid foods are introduced, the diversity of the gut microbiome should increase, following a specific pattern known as gut microbiome maturation [17]. By around three years of age, a higher diversity of gut microbes is preferable because these microbes perform various essential functions for our body and health [15],[16].
A gut microbiome test can determine if your child's gut microbial diversity is appropriate for their age and suggest ways to adjust it if necessary. One effective method to promote a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is by consuming a variety of fibers, as different fibers boost different kinds of bacteria.
2. Levels and Strains of Bifidobacteria
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. One important group of bacteria, known as Bifidobacteria, is particularly influential during the first six months to one year of life [18]. High levels of Bifidobacteria during this period are linked to a lower risk of allergies and other immune-related conditions, while low levels of Bifidobacteria correlate with systemic inflammation [19]. Bifidobacteria help train your baby’s immune system by interacting with the gut lining and immune cells to develop immune tolerance and control inflammatory responses [19]. Bifidobacteria thrive on Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), complex sugars found in breast milk that they can feed on. By breaking down HMOs, Bifidobacteria help reduce inflammation and strengthen the cells that line the baby's gut. This process makes it harder for harmful bacteria to cause infections and boosts the baby's immune system [20],[21].
A gut microbiome test can reveal the levels of Bifidobacteria in your child’s gut. Knowing this information is valuable because you can take steps to potentially adjust these levels if needed. For example, probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacteria exist, however, different products contain different strains of Bifidobacteria, which is challenging to navigate on your own.
When you do a gut microbiome test, we can also identify the specific strains present and their levels, providing guidance on how to influence them. Without doing a test, it is difficult to determine the best course of action to optimize your child’s gut health.
3. Levels of Pathobionts: The Unfriendly Bacteria
As previously mentioned, we aim for our gut microbes to coexist in balance and harmony. However, this balance can sometimes be disrupted. High levels of certain bacteria, known as pathobionts, can potentially lead to various symptoms and health issues, like:
Infant colic [22],[23]
Allergies [22],[24]
Eczemas [22],[25]
Diarrhea [26]
Necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants [27]
Inflammatory bowel disease [28]
Diabetes [29]
Obesity [25],[30].
But why do these pathobionts sometimes grow more than they should? Well, several factors can negatively influence our gut microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of these unfriendly bacteria [22]. Such factors can include:
Antibiotic use [17],[31],[32]
Cesarean section births [33],[34]
Formula feeding [17],[35]
A microbiome test can determine the levels of pathobionts in your child’s gut, which if high could potentially have links to certain symptoms. If elevated levels are detected, we can provide recommendations to help restore balance to your child’s microbiome.
Discover your child's gut microbiome with Alba Health
As a parent, understanding the importance of your baby's gut microbiome and its influence on health empowers you to take proactive measures to ensure a healthy gut for your child. Although certain early life events are unavoidable, being aware of the factors that affect the gut microbiome helps you make informed choices to support your baby's well-being.
Our at-home gut health test for children 0-24 months provides insights into your child’s gut microbiome composition, focusing on promoting overall wellness. We analyze over 2,500 bacteria species and your family lifestyle through a questionnaire to offer tailored recommendations for supporting your child's well-being. You also get a 1:1 consultation with our Certified Nutrition & Health Coach to discuss your child's wellness plan.
[Disclaimer: Alba Health does not diagnose or treat medical conditions].
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