The BoobyBiome team of UCL researchers are seeking to improve babies' health by creating a supplement that can replicate the health benefits of breast milk.
Gut health is crucial for our wellbeing and numerous studies have found that imbalanced or disruptive gut microbiomes can lead to a wide range of disorders, including Parkinson's disease, depression and irritable bowel syndrome.
One factor affecting our lifelong gut health is whether or not we received breast milk as babies. The bacteria in breast milk brings health benefits that, until now, researchers haven't been able to replicate.
Now, three researchers at UCL have founded BoobyBiome - a project which focuses on the importance of breast milk in early infant microbiome development - in the hope of providing a healthier future for infants across the globe, who don't have access to breast milk.
BoobyBiome are currently in the process of creating a scientifically validated microbiome supplement containing bacteria sourced from breast milk donated by healthy mothers.
Now their work has been profiled in a new Channel 4 series exploring gut health, Know Your S**t, which airs tonight.
COO Dr Sioned Fon Jones (UCL Chemistry and King's College London), said: "We are thrilled to have BoobyBiome's work featured in the Channel 4 documentary Know Your S**t. This platform provides us with the opportunity to raise awareness about the critical role that the breast milk microbiome plays in infant health.
"By bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and the information being taught to new parents and birth educators, we aim to educate and inform the public about the importance of this area of research.
"In addition, the documentary serves as a catalyst for increased public interest and support in scientific research, particularly in the field of infant health and the breast milk microbiome. By making this information accessible and engaging, we hope to promote a deeper understanding of the field and drive increased funding and support for research.
"Our goal is to improve the health outcomes of infants everywhere, and we believe that this documentary will play a crucial role in advancing our efforts."
