K-C Scientist Invited to White House Event on Microbes

Kathleen Engelbrecht represents K-C at the new National Microbiome Initiative

The White House recently announced the creation of the National Microbiome Initiative.  Representing K-C at this event, under a special invitation from the White House, was one of our leading scientists in microbiome research, Kathleen Engelbrecht.  K-C is committed to understanding this topic and will invest $5 million over the next five years in microbiome research to enhance the health and wellness of people of all ages.  

What is the human microbiome and why do we think it is important to K-C? 
The human microbiome is a community of bacteria that lives in and on all parts of our body.  All our products come in contact with the human microbiome.   We believe there is an opportunity to create products specifically designed for these microbial communities that will improve human health and the functioning of our products.  

We are supporting fundamental research into the role of the microbiome in women’s health as the basis for future applications. Key areas of interest include how the microbiome changes with age and menopausal status and the impact of probiotics on urogenital health. K-C is also supporting work that will attain a fundamental understanding of the adult skin microbiome and the effect of occlusion.  We have research into the nasal, vaginal, and skin microbiomes. 

Recently, in collaboration with an open innovation partner, we have discovered a correlation between incontinence and the bladder microbiome.  Our research this year is aimed at determining a cause/effect relationship between the bladder microbiome and urge incontinence; and then leverage these data into new product forms and solutions for AFC.  We are also doing work to show the clinical impact of restoring a normal vaginal Microbiome in vivo and its effect on health and well-being in fem care. 

We are at the infancy of our understanding the microbiome and the potential for our products, but believe that this work will create a fundamental shift in our ability to lead the world in essentials for a better life.