Buikbelang and MyMicroZoo: Partnership for Healthy Gut Flora

The digestive system is essential to our health. It keeps us healthy, but can also cause diseases. The gut contains many bacteria, viruses and fungi known as the (gut) microbiome. Although it is one of our body's most important systems, we can still learn a lot about the microbiome.  

Buikbelang is a national initiative of the Maag Lever Darm Stichting (MLDS), the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Together with various stakeholders, they are committed to increasing research into the microbiome and applying this knowledge in practice. Recently, MyMicroZoo also joined as a partner. We explore this interesting initiative with Mark Bouwens, project leader and coordinator of Buikbelang and Fleur van Eeden, general manager of MyMicroZoo. What makes the microbiome such an essential field and how do we ensure practical application of scientific knowledge?

The power of your gut 

"We know that the microbiome is very important for human health," explains Mark Bouwens. "Scientists can link the composition of your microbiome to certain diseases, but we still know little about the causal effect, for example. Is the composition of the microbiome different because someone has a particular disease state, or did someone develop the disease state because of their microbiome?"  

"Ultimately, we want to be able to use the microbiome for prevention, diagnostics and in the treatment of diseases," explains Mark Bouwens. "That is a huge job, involving several disciplines. That's why the Buikbelang initiative was born: we do it together." Many stakeholders are involved within Buikbelang, including researchers, experts, health funds, commercial parties and socially oriented organisations. "I spoke to many different stakeholders. Besides the need for research, I found out that there is also a need to translate current and future knowledge into applications for patients, the general population and society," says Mark Bouwens. "This is why we also partnered with MyMicroZoo, because they have a lot of expertise on the practical application of knowledge about your gut."

Test your microbiota 

MyMicroZoo has developed a test that provides insight into the gut microbiota: the bacteria in your gut and part of the microbiome. The test can be taken at home. Researchers then analyse the data and then produce a report on the composition of the bacteria in your gut. They also provide tips for a healthier lifestyle based on the results. "We have the same objective as Buikbelang, which is to learn more about the functioning of the microbiome by looking at the bacteria in intestines," says Fleur van Eeden, general manager of MyMicroZoo. "In this way, we want to give as many people as possible a look at part of their own microbiome as well as help people improve their own microbiome." Mark Bouwens adds: "MyMicroZoo knows where the big questions in society are about your gut health. "Therefore, together we can think well about the practical application of knowledge and how to properly involve patients and other citizens in society."  

MyMicroZoo is also collaborating on the ‘GEEF om je buik studie’ (CARE about your belly study), which examines the effect of specific dietary recommendations on your gut health. "It's interesting to do MyMicroZoo's test and make some lifestyle changes based on that," says Mark Bouwens. "If you then do the test again, you can see if the change has an effect. There are many opportunities there, both for expanding research, and applying scientific knowledge in practice. Ultimately, you can improve overall health by taking better care of your gut."

Buikbelang is growing like crazy 

Mark Bouwens: "I notice that there is tremendous enthusiasm for our initiative. Many stakeholders want to join and see the need. That gives me a lot of energy. Actually, we are still in our infancy, but we are already experiencing many interesting developments, such as the 'CARE about your belly study'. I hope Buikbelang will grow fast in the coming time." 

Fleur van Eeden finally agrees: "We at MyMicroZoo are very proud to be a partner. Buikbelang is a very good initiative, because your microbiome is essential for your health. We are happy to contribute to this with MyMicroZoo's test, with the aim that everyone will soon have access to discoveries from scientific research."

Would you also like to know more about your microbiome and your health? Click here!