RELIEF Study
RELIEF Study | Research on early life indicators of enteric fermentation
What is this research about?
As part of a broader nationwide effort to preserve and characterise gut microbes across all life stages, researchers at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research are currently studying the gut bacteria of infants. This research aims to better understand the microbes present in the gut of infants during early life, in both healthy infants, and those who may experience digestive upset.
Who can participate?
- Infants less than 3 months of age
- Infants that are experiencing digestive discomfort (including gassiness/bloating)
- Healthy infants with no symptoms
What is required?
Participation involves providing a small stool (poo) sample from your baby using a simple, hygienic kit posted to your home.
That’s all that’s required – no appointments, no procedures, no cost and no disruption to your baby’s routine!
What are the benefits of participating?
Your baby’s sample will help researchers identify and better understand the types of bacteria that are present in the infant gut, including how they vary among healthy infants and those with gut conditions.
Your contribution could help researchers better characterise the variation in the early-life gut microbiome, and potentially support future research into infant digestive health targeted for improvement of care for infants and families facing similar tummy troubles!
How do I participate?
Fill out the short form here and we’ll be in touch! RELIEF Study Eligibility Questionnaire
Lead researchers
Dr Cait Welsh
Postdoctoral Scientist, Microbiota and Systems Biology
Professor Sam Forster
Research Group Head, Microbiota and Systems Biology
