The Healthy Optimal Australian Microbiome (HOAM) Study

The microbiome — the trillions of bacteria and other microbes living in and on our bodies — plays a profound role in everything from digestion and immune function to mental health. But what does a truly 'optimal' microbiome look like? This large observational study at UNSW Sydney is mapping the microbiomes of healthy Australians across all ages and activity levels to establish a reference baseline for what a healthy microbiome looks like throughout life. Participants provide stool, blood, urine, and oral samples, and complete questionnaires about diet, sleep, activity, and lifestyle. The study recruits people from teenagers to those over 95, in groups ranging from highly active athletes to sedentary individuals, and even including people with dementia for comparison. This study is open to people aged 13 and over who are in generally good health, have not taken antibiotics in the past six months, and do not have significant medical conditions. The specific requirements vary by age group (for example, some groups require regular exercise, specific BMI ranges, or healthy sleep patterns). People who smoke, drink heavily, have chronic illness, or have made major diet changes recently are generally not eligible.