Study is a health pioneer

POPPIE McCallum is eight years old, and has been doing her bit for science since before she was born.

She’s among a group of more than 1000 kids from the Barwon region helping scientists understand modern health trends in children.

All now aged between five and eight, these kids have been poked, prodded and measured, always with a gentle hand.

Together, they’ve provided 100,000 biological samples and their parents have answered twice as many questions. But it’s been worth it. Their contribution to the Barwon Infant Study has the potential to help children and their families across the world.

Last night the latest scientific paper was published from the findings of the study.

Expectant or prospective mothers will be particularly interested in what the researchers found because it has ramifications for their health and that of their babies.

As we report on page 5, the study suggests women who eat plenty of fibre — particularly leafy green vegetables — are less likely to experience preeclampsia, and their children are less likely to suffer allergies.

About one in 10 women experience pre-eclampsia while pregnant or shortly after the birth of their child.

It drives up their blood pressure, swells their hands and feet and can lead to other serious health issues if left untreated.

It also interferes with the immune development of children in-utero, potentially leading to a range of allergies and health issues once they are born.

Research shows 10 per cent of Australian kids now have food allergies, and ultrasound measurements taken on the study kids up to 20 weeks before they were born have advanced theories about why this is.

It’s fascinating — and important — work, with widespread ramifications.

And it’s all been made possible by people like Poppie McCallum and her mum Kim, who accepted minor inconvenience for the sake of the greater good.