Draft:Birna G. Asbjornsdottir

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Birna G. Asbjornsdottir

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Dr. Birna Asbjornsdottir is a distinguished Health Scientist and founder of Jörth, recognized as a leading expert in the field of gut health. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from the University of Iceland and an M.Sc. in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Surrey, UK. Complementing these advanced degrees, Dr. Asbjornsdottir has also completed specialized training in Evidence-Based Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, solidifying her reputation in the international scientific community.

Currently, Dr. Asbjornsdottir is a visiting researcher at the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the impact of Icelandic bovine colostrum on the digestive system, immune responses, nervous system, and behavior. This work underscores her commitment to advancing our understanding of how nutrition influences long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Asbjornsdottir is also a collaborator in the GEMMA study, a European research project that aims to identify early-life biomarkers for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Her work in the GEMMA study focuses on evaluating the prophylactic effect of bovine colostrum on intestinal microbiota and its potential to modulate gut permeability and immune responses. This collaboration is crucial in exploring preventative strategies for ASD and further supports her research on the impact of early nutritional interventions on long-term health outcomes.

Among her numerous academic achievements, Dr. Asbjornsdottir conducted a comprehensive systematic review at the University of Surrey, analyzing data from over 65.000 individuals. This extensive research assessed the efficacy of probiotics in preventing and managing infectious and communicable diseases across both paediatric and adult populations, contributing valuable insights to the field of nutritional medicine.

Dr. Asbjornsdottir’s nearly two decades of focused research on the digestive system and gut microbiota have positioned her at the forefront of both national and international efforts to unravel the complexities of the gut-brain connection. Her expertise has been pivotal in transforming public perceptions and fostering a deeper awareness of the essential role that a healthy gut microbiome plays in overall well-being.

As one of Iceland’s pioneering voices in advocating for the importance of the microbiota, Dr. Asbjornsdottir has been a significant contributor to both academic and public health discussions. She remains a tireless advocate for the recognition of the gut’s microbial ecosystem as a crucial factor in maintaining not only physical but also mental health. Through her research, lectures, and public engagements, she has significantly raised awareness of the interconnections between gut health, nutrition, and disease prevention.

Throughout her career as a consultant, lecturer, and researcher, Dr. Asbjornsdottir has worked closely with individuals and communities aiming to improve their health. Her dedication to personal connection, combined with her scientific rigour, has made her a trusted figure in the wellness community. She is known for her ability to translate complex scientific insights into practical health solutions, empowering people to take control of their well-being through evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Asbjornsdottir’s unique combination of academic research and practical application forms the cornerstone of her extensive expertise in gut health and digestive wellness. Her ability to link the science of the microbiome to real-world health outcomes is one of her defining strengths. This expertise drives the development of Jörth’s product range, where Dr. Asbjornsdottir collaborates with leading experts from the scientific community to create innovative solutions designed to support optimal gut health.

The scientific team at Jörth, inspired by Dr. Asbjornsdottir’s leadership, is united by a shared mission: to improve human health and quality of life through the restoration and balance of the gut microbiome. Dr. Asbjornsdottir and her team are dedicated to helping individuals achieve better health outcomes by addressing dysbiosis, recognizing that gut health is the foundation of effective digestion and a key factor in maintaining both physical and mental health.

Research Contributions

Dr. Asbjornsdottir’s extensive research portfolio is characterized by her commitment to advancing the understanding of probiotics, fermented foods, and gut health. Her work spans multiple countries and has significantly contributed to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of microbial interventions to promote health.

At the University of Iceland and the National University Hospital of Iceland (BUGL), Dr. Asbjornsdottir is a key member of the research team for the MMM-Study (Meals, Microbiota, and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents). As the first author of the published protocol for this long-term observational case-control study, Dr. Asbjornsdottir investigates the relationship between diet, gut microbiota, and mental health in children and adolescents. The study focuses on children awaiting treatment at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at BUGL and compares their gut health with that of their siblings and a control group of similarly aged children.

In addition, her research under the SYMBIOSIS project examines the effects of fermented foods and the dietary supplement Abdom 1.0 on gut microbiota and overall health markers. This interventional study targets adults aged 50-70 who have limited experience with fermented foods, providing critical insights into the benefits of introducing these foods later in life.

Research at Massachusetts General Hospital -  Harvard Medical School

Dr. Asbjornsdottir’s collaboration with the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, involves an in-depth exploration of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis and Zonulin-Dependent Intestinal Permeability. Her research examines the interplay between these critical factors and their influence on immune and nervous system function, brain health, and mental well-being. The study also assesses the impact of key nutrients, including bovine colostrum, on gut health and the modulation of zonulin-dependent intestinal permeability.

One of her notable studies at the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, titled “Prophylactic Effect of Bovine Colostrum on Intestinal Microbiota and Behavior in Wild-Type and Zonulin Transgenic Mice,” has shed light on the potential therapeutic applications of colostrum in improving gut health and behavioural outcomes, further advancing our understanding of the gut-brain connection.

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Dr. Asbjornsdottir’s significant contributions to the field include her systematic review and meta-analysis on Zonulin-Dependent Intestinal Permeability in Children Diagnosed with Mental Disorders. This comprehensive study evaluated the increased permeability of the gut in children and adolescents diagnosed with mental disorders, focusing on key biomarkers and endotoxins produced by harmful microbes. Her work has provided critical insights into the potential role of gut health in managing mental health disorders in paediatric populations.

Additionally, Dr. Asbjornsdottir led a large-scale systematic review titled “The Use of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics to Prevent and Treat Communicable Diseases in Children and Adults,” which included over 65.000 participants. This study assessed the effects of probiotic strains in preventing or treating infections, offering robust evidence of their potential to support immune health across various age groups.

Through her vast research contributions and relentless dedication to advancing gut health science, Dr. Asbjornsdottir has firmly established herself as a thought leader and innovator in the field of digestive wellness.