Baby Microbiome Test

Traditional stool samples are prescribed when there is suspicion of pathogenic agents in the intestine. In this process, certain bacteria in the sample are cultured on a nutrient solution and then identified microscopically.

The approach with the Ventra Tests is entirely different: we do not try to detect or not detect specific individual pathogens. We look at what all is there and how much of it. We believe that one should not wait for pronounced complaints to occur before dealing with the microbiome. Our motto is: the more we know about the inhabitants of the intestine, the better! Bacteria in the intestine live in a kind of domestic community, a huge bacterial flat-share, so to speak.

That's why we are interested in all the bacteria in the intestine so we can get as comprehensive a picture as possible of the condition in the intestine.

The microbiome of every person is individual and is influenced by many factors. For this reason, there is not one perfect microbiome that is desirable for everyone. The bacterial "Whole Genome Sequencing" analysis can provide you with good indications and suggestions regarding the bacterial inhabitants of your child’s gut. For example, with the help of the investigation, we can determine whether potentially pathogenic bacteria are found in the gut or if a group of bacteria has become predominant that is not known to be beneficial. Additionally, the bacterial genomes can be examined for possible antibiotic resistances.

A very important category of bacteria that we identify in our reports are Bifidobacteria, because they program the immune system in our first months of life. The test results from Ventra Health can give you a piece of mind regarding the proportion of Bifidobacteria in your child's microbiome. You will be informed if this is within the age-appropriate normal range and how you can achieve this.

In addition, you will receive tips on how you can naturally have a positive influence on the gut microbiome.

The microbiome of babies undergoes significant development in the first years of life and is fundamentally different from that of adults during this time. A microbiome test specifically developed for babies takes these unique characteristics into account, thus providing the most accurate information about the health of the child's gut. Here are some reasons why age-appropriate microbiome reports are so important:

• The microbiome of babies ideally is rich in Bifidobacteria, which are essential for their health and development. This is significantly different from the microbiome of adults, which features a much broader range of bacterial species.
• With the introduction of family meals, usually from the age of 2-3 years, the child's microbiome begins to resemble that of an adult. Age-appropriate reports can capture these transitions and provide corresponding recommendations.
• The gut bacteria that are particularly important for babies are not accurately captured by many microbiome analyses. Tests specifically designed for babies use adapted methods to draw a precise picture. For example, the 16S primers V3-V4 often used in microbiome analyses significantly underrepresent gram-positive bacteria like Bifidobacteria. This has impaired the accuracy of scientific studies regarding Bifidobacteria in the past.

Therefore, age-appropriate microbiome reports for babies are not just a means to capture the current state of the gut flora but also an important tool to support the healthy development of the baby. By using specific technologies tailored to the child's microbiome, parents can be sure to receive accurate and relevant information to best support their baby's health.