I am interested in the relation between nutrition, gut microbiota and children's health. During my PhD track, I focus on breastfeeding, habitual diet, the composition of the gut microbiome and how it is related to the inhibitory control behaviour of toddlers and teenagers. Inhibitory control is the ability to suppress an instinctive response. Inhibitory control is associated with a range of physical and mental health outcomes, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which makes it an important topic of interest!
I investigate these topics in two different groups, who consist of families that have been followed since pregnancy until the current age of their children (3 years and 14 years). Nutritional intake is assessed, stool samples are collected, and behavioural tests are performed to investigate the role of nutrition and the gut microbiome on the behaviour of toddlers and teenagers. Data collection is done via home visits, so I drive all around the Netherlands to visit the participating families.
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