Scientists are seeking Norfolk families to unravel the mysteries of gut health.
The PEARL-AGE Study, conducted by the Quadram Institute in Norwich, is delving into the gut microbiome, a bustling community of trillions of microbes living in the gut.
These microbes play a crucial role in health, aiding in digestion, fighting infections and supporting the immune system.
The microbiome is established at birth, primarily influenced by the mother, close family and home environment.
The PEARL-AGE Study aims to explore the similarities and differences in the microbiomes of family members.
Particular interest is on whether hugging each other plays a role, the differences between a parent's and a child's microbiome, and the microbial similarities among siblings.
Participants need to collect two faecal samples, 12 months apart, from which researchers will examine their gut microbiomes.
A questionnaire about lifestyle, dietary preferences, and family closeness will also be filled out to understand microbial transfer within families.
The study is looking to enrol family members, including siblings, fathers, guardians, (step-) grandparents, and (step-) great-grandparents, living within 40 miles of Norwich.
Interested families can find more details at https://quadram.ac.uk/pearl-agestudy/.
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