Finding Out About Your Child’s Gut Health with Alba Health

Alba Health: Supporting Childhood Health Through Gut Microbiome Science

My daughter, Florence, almost 4, has suffered with gastro issues from the age of 2, arising originally after an initial tummy bug she caught from her brothers which quickly led to an inability to digest lactose, berries and egg (she suffered with severe rashes and blood in her stools upon eating the aforementioned).

Whilst these symptoms might arise for the duration of an infection in some children, these allergies persisted for over a year, disrupting her diet, and all of our lives. There is nothing worse as a parent than witnessing your child being unwell.

Finding definitive answers was not straight forward either, despite many visits to our GP and even a pediatric specialist. That is no fault of their own, allergies and intolerances can be hard to investigate and diagnose, and healing can be a long and complex process.

Whilst Florence is now able to eat the previously prohibited foods, I have had very little insight into her gut health and overall wellbeing as a whole, and when we were in the thick of it, I felt deeply frustrated with her prolonged issues.

I was desperate to discover how her health was bearing up now and if there were ways to improve her gut health, particularly after historical and unavoidable antibiotic use.

Thankfully, discovering Alba Health has provided the answers I’d been seeking.

So, what is Alba Health?

Alba Health is an AI-powered gut health platform supporting parents in managing their child’s early health and nutrition while helping reduce the risk of long-term chronic conditions like asthma, eczema, and allergies. Designed for children aged 0-12, the platform offers research-grade gut health analysis, customised nutrition plans, and coaching from certified nutrition and health experts – all tailored to support the development of healthy microbiomes in children.

The hidden epidemic of childhood gut health issues
Studies show that over 50% of infants will experience gut symptoms, over 20% will have colic, and one-third of school-aged children have an allergic condition. Symptoms linked to the gut often lead to crying and sleep disruption, which can be incredibly stressful for parents. The UN estimated that chronic diseases will cost $47 trillion globally by 2030, yet most parents remain unaware of the crucial window during early childhood when gut health can influence lifelong health.

One of the key drivers behind these rising health issues is what scientists call the invisible extinction of beneficial gut bacteria. Modern factors, including processed foods, antibiotic use, and ultra-clean environments, have reduced microbial diversity in children’s digestive systems, particularly affecting beneficial bacteria that train the developing immune system. Recent studies show that 90% of infants in the US lack some of these critical bacteria, a deficiency linked to increased risk of chronic conditions like allergic diseases.

Traditionally, it has proved tricky for parents to garner any meaningful insight into their children’s gut health but Alba Health has come along and made it easy.

Addressing the knowledge gap by converting complex microbiome science into accessible, actionable recommendations tailored to each child. Unlike generic probiotics or one-size-fits-all dietary advice, Alba’s approach starts with understanding each child’s unique gut composition – making science personal, practical, and parent-friendly.

 

How does Alba Health work?

From your door to the lab- at-home gut testing across the UK and Europe
After ordering online, we received a stool sample collection kit delivered by post, complete with step-by-step, hygienic instructions designed for easy use at home. It really was easy too. Non-invasive, quick with a ‘poop catcher’ which secures over your toilet easily and securely, it only takes a moment to collect. 

Once the sample is posted, it’s returned to Alba’s lab for analysis. Results are typically available within 3-4 weeks and ours were received after just 2.

Using research-grade metagenomics (DNA sequencing of microbial DNA), Alba Health identifies bacterial imbalances linked to digestion, metabolism, immune function, and overall development.

We then received our child’s test results along with a personalised nutrition plan explaining the findings in simple terms.

These plans include targeted food and probiotic suggestions, plus a one-on-one coaching session with a certified Nutrition and Health Coach to support practical, family-friendly changes. Alba prioritises realistic adjustments – like adding fibre-rich snacks or naturally fermented foods children actually enjoy – and offers optional follow-up testing to track progress and support long-term improvements in gut health.

Whilst Florence’s report showed good gut and overall health, the suggestions to add trusted probiotic drops Alba suggested (BioGaia) into smoothies, ice lollies or porridge as well as opting for Kerfir yoghurt over Greek, which supports gut health with its symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast, as well as supplementing more berries into her diet, has led to Florence feeling healthier in a short time, showing huge improvements in her moods and sleep.

It’s empowering as a parent to not only discover what is lacking in your child’s diet but also how to quicly and effectively improve it with small, actionable steps that are budget-friendly too.

Knowledge is power and nothing is more important than the first 1000 days of a child’s life and how it can be supported with great gut health, preventing disease and obesity in later life.

Alba Health is a trusted app and tool to support your child’s health. It was born from the founder Nora Cavani’s own struggles and is the market leader of its kind in Sweden.

Established in Stockholm in 2022, Alba Health was founded by molecular biologist Nora (CEO) and Professor Willem M de Vos. 

Cavani, who has a background in pharmaceutical engineering and eczema research, began exploring early gut health after dealing with severe eczema in adulthood. After years of trying various treatments without success, she turned to gut health research and made significant dietary changes.This research and lifestyle shift improved her condition  and she no longer has any eczema symptoms. Cavani partnered with Professor de Vos, a world-renowned microbiome scientist with over 800 publications whose research at the University of Helsinki examines how the early microbiome impacts health later in life. His work with the HELMi cohort, one of the world’s largest studies of children’s gut microbiomes, provided the scientific foundation for a preventative approach. Together, they created Alba Health to bridge the gap between complex microbiome science and practical, accessible solutions for parents focused on supporting their children’s sustained health and wellbeing.

Nora says, “My experience with eczema led me to research the gut-health connection out of necessity. What I found was that dietary changes significantly improved my condition when other approaches hadn’t worked. This personal experience, combined with the scientific evidence from Professor de Vos’s research, made it clear that early intervention is key. The first three years of life represent a critical window when gut health development influences long-term outcomes, and many parents don’t realise this until their children have already developed these chronic conditions. We founded Alba to make these microbiome insights accessible earlier, at a stage in a child’s life when they can make the most difference.”

Professor Willem M de Vos,, Alba Health, adds:
“I have been researching the human microbiome for over 25 years, and our studies have shown that the microbes children acquire in early life can have a lasting impact on their health. The microbes shape immune and metabolic development, among other things, affecting the risks of allergies and obesity. With Alba Health, we can now test the gut microbiome of children and translate these insights into personalised, research-backed guidance for parents. By combining robust science with real-world support, parents can make informed choices during the most critical window in the development of their infants. As science continues to evolve, Alba is evolving with it by offering practical, data-driven advice that fits everyday family life.”

We feel truly lucky to have found Alba Health and wholeheartedly recommend it to all seeking more insight into their child’s health and wellbeing.

Alba is not just a test. Here’s what’s included for ages 0-18 for just £249:

•     A non-invasive, at-home gut health test.
•     A report with detailed insights into your child’s gut flora and how it impacts their immune system, metabolism & cognition.
•     An action plan with simple strategies to boost your child’s gut health and improve your family’s lifestyle.
•     A 1:1 consultation with a certified Nutrition & Health Coach to support you in reaching your objectives.