Opportunities to prevent chronic diseases
More and more research shows that lifestyle and nutrition are strongly linked to common chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and immune-related diseases.
Yet we still do too little with this in practice. That worries Remco Kort: "We now know a lot about the influence of the gut microbiome (the bacteria, viruses and fungi in our intestines, ed.)," he says, "but that knowledge does not reach people sufficiently. And that is precisely where we are missing opportunities to prevent chronic diseases."
The GEEF study
Kort is one of the initiators of the GEEF study (Gut health Enhancement by Eating Favourable Food), an investigation into the influence of fibre-rich and fermented foods on the gut microbiome. In this 21-week study, 147 adults took part. "In the Netherlands, the vast majority of people structurally eat too little fibre. At the same time, we see a sharp increase in chronic metabolic diseases."
From knowing to doing
Despite increasing knowledge about how important proper nutrition is, little is changing in practice. "The problem is not that people are unwilling," Kort explains. "The problem is that science often remains abstract. People know that fibre is healthy, but don't know how to apply it sustainably in their daily lives."
To actively involve people in this topic, the research team of the GEEF study opted for a citizen science approach. This approach actively involves people from society in research. Participants followed a nutritional intervention, collected data themselves and received personalised feedback on their microbiome. "We didn't want another study that disappears in a drawer," says Kort. "We wanted to show that research can also directly benefit the people who participate."
Small choices, big impact
The results of the GEEF study showed that even relatively simple dietary adjustments can positively influence the microbiome and eating behaviour. "What touched me most," Kort says, "is that participants reported feeling real ownership of their health for the first time," which is crucial, he stresses. "If we are serious about prevention, we need to actively engage people. Otherwise, we will continue to lag behind: with ever-increasing healthcare costs and more and more people with chronic complaints."
Why scaling up is needed now
The GEEF study was a first step, but Kort says it is time for the next phase. The aim of the follow-up study is to involve more than 10,000 participants, so that differences between groups become more visible and conclusions can be applied more widely. "We have seen that this approach works. It is now important to scale up. With more participants, we will gain better insight into what works for whom. We can then translate that knowledge into practical nutritional advice. Without additional funding, we cannot take that step," says Kort.
Taking responsibility together
According to him, this is not only a task for scientists, but for society as a whole. "Everyone has a gut microbiome. Everyone eats. That makes this research relevant for all of us."
Those who participate or financially support the research through VUfonds will help gain knowledge that will benefit many people. "This is not just about today," Kort concludes. "This is about how we deal with health, disease and prevention in the future. And we have to make that choice now."
