Molecular biologist Eleonora Cavani warns of ‘invisible extinction’ of beneficial gut bacteria – saying ‘I was covered head-to-toe in eczema and sleeping just a few hours a night’
Almost a quarter of a million children are about to start school suffering from allergies as a leading expert warns British youngsters are among the most allergic in the world.
Molecular biologist Eleonora Cavani told the Mirror she reversed her own severe eczema which had contributed to job loss, divorce and depression. Asthma UK estimates at least 40% of children have a diagnosed allergy meaning around 240,000 children will start school this September with conditions including hayfever and food allergies.
Eleonora Cavani says the first few years of life are vital, warning that children in the West are undergoing an “invisible extinction” of beneficial gut bacteria which are needed to set up their immune systems to work properly.
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She told the Mirror: “British children are now amongst the most allergic in the world, with 40% diagnosed with allergies. When nearly a quarter of a million children starting school this September will likely have allergies, we have to ask ourselves: what’s gone wrong? This isn’t normal – allergy rates have tripled in just 30 years. We’re looking at an entire generation whose immune systems aren’t developing as they should.”
Emerging research suggests the cause lies in babies’ gut health during their first few years, which determines whether they’ll develop allergies, asthma and eczema. A study showed children with less developed gut microbiomes at age one are a third more likely to develop allergies by age five.
Eczema is not an allergy itself but a chronic skin condition that can be triggered by allergies, like asthma or hay fever. Certain allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, foods, or irritants like soaps and perfumes, can worsen symptoms in some people.
Eleonora said: “I lived this nightmare myself. At 27, I was covered head-to-toe in eczema, sleeping a few hours per night, and unable to work at full capacity. After years of stronger and stronger steroid creams that only masked symptoms, I decided to look beyond my skin to what was happening inside. After finding out about food sensitivities and taking care of my gut, my eczema cleared completely – I’ve had no symptoms and haven’t taken any medications for it in the past two years. It was like getting my life back.”
The reasons for increasing allergies in Western countries are not fully understood but are linked to the bacteria which live in our gut and work with our immune system.
Eleonora is a former healthcare consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) which is a global management consulting firm that partners with healthcare organisations to help them solve complex challenges. She has since founded the child gut health testing company Alba Health.
Eleanor said: “A recent study showed that 75% of babies in the US lack critical gut bacteria that help train the immune system. These same patterns have also been linked to a higher risk of allergy, asthma and eczema. Some scientists call this the ‘invisible extinction’ of beneficial gut bacteria in the Western world.
“Modern life – ultra-processed foods, excessive cleanliness, overuse of antibiotics – might be leading to us losing microbes that are needed to maintain good health. Given that British children now have some of the highest allergy rates in the world, gut health in children should be a clear priority.”
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What can parents do?
Experts say a greater range of ‘good’ bacteria can take hold in newborns when breastfeeding mothers eat a fibre-rich, minimally processed and diverse diet containing whole foods. Eleanor says for formula-fed babies, mothers should consult their doctor about formulas which support gut health, including those with prebiotics and probiotics when appropriate.
Eleanor also recommends limiting antibiotic use to when absolutely necessary and prescribed by a doctor. She also says parents should encourage exposure to natural environments
She said: “Allow your baby safe exposure to nature and pets. Overly sterile environments can limit the development of a healthy microbiome. When introducing solids, focus on whole foods—vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks and ultra-processed foods that can harm gut bacteria.”
She added: “The science is clear: a baby’s gut health and diet in those first few years are significant factors in determining whether they’ll develop allergies, asthma, and eczema later on.
“There’s a critical window of time when the gut microbiome helps program the immune system for life. If that development goes awry, the immune system never learns to distinguish between harmless substances like pollen and genuine threats
“The encouraging news is that parents have real power here, but timing is everything. Simple changes – adding fibre to meals, cutting back on processed foods, being more selective about antibiotics, exposing children to food allergens safely early on and even probiotics – might help reduce the risk of allergic diseases when implemented early.
“To be absolutely clear, we’re not talking about reversing allergies once they’ve developed. It’s about making it far less likely that your child will develop these conditions in the first place.
“It’s really about recognising that what goes into your baby’s body during those crucial early years determines whether their immune system learns to cope with the world around them.”