Gut microbiota

Gut microbiota refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, that inhabit the digestive tracts of humans and other animals. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health and disease, influencing various aspects of host physiology, including metabolism, immunity, and behavior.

Composition

The gut microbiota is highly diverse, with hundreds of different species present. The composition of the gut microbiota varies between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as diet, age, genetics, and environment. The most abundant bacterial phyla in the human gut are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, although other groups such as Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia are also present.

Functions

The gut microbiota performs a variety of functions that are essential for host health. These include the fermentation of dietary fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids, the synthesis of vitamins, the metabolism of bile acids and xenobiotics, the modulation of the immune system, and the protection against pathogens.

Role in disease

Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, a condition known as dysbiosis, have been associated with a number of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.

Modulation

The gut microbiota can be modulated through various interventions, including diet, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.

See also

• Microbiome
• Probiotics
• Prebiotics
• Fecal microbiota transplantation

References

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