The gut microbiota is exposed to and modified by a range of factors on a daily basis, with diet being one of the most important. New findings from the American Gut Project reveal that drinking water source ranks among the key contributing factors in explaining gut microbiota variation.
Gut microbiome research in 2021: a look back at the findings from the last 12 months
27 Dec 2021by Andreu Prados
As we look back, we can certainly say that 2021 has been a productive year for gut microbiome research. In this last post of the year, we bring you key articles from our blog and studies on major advances in the role of the gut microbiome in maintaining health and helping to manage gut and immune-related diseases. We will also look at the therapeutic potential of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics for your clinical practice.
Is healthy aging and increased longevity connected to the gut microbiome?
13 Oct 2021by Andreu Prados
Growing research suggests gut microbes are involved not only in all aspects of body function, but also in healthy aging. New findings show that the gut microbiome could help restore aging-related immune and cognitive impairments.
Although it was previously thought that the infant gut microbiota would attain an adult-like structure by the age of 3, recent studies have suggested that the gut community of microorganisms continues to evolve in both pre-adolescents and 20-year-olds.
How dietary fiber leaves its mark within the gut: Just 2 weeks are enough for dietary fiber to influence microbial metabolism
27 Sep 2021by Andreu Prados
Our diet has a huge influence not only on gut microbiota composition but also on its functions. New findings show a fiber-enriched Mediterranean-like diet is well tolerated and influences microbial metabolism in just two weeks, despite no major changes in the core microbiota composition.
Targeting fungi for Crohn’s disease? A fungus used in the food industry for surface ripening cheese and meat is involved in impairing colonic healing
15 Sep 2021by Andreu Prados
Scientists have discovered a fungus that delays wound healing in mice and is enriched in inflamed tissue from patients with Crohn’s disease. The findings, coupled with the discovery of an engineered yeast that suppresses inflammation in a mouse model of colitis, highlights the potential of studying fungi-host interactions in IBD.
The term synbiotic, less known than probiotics or prebiotics, was born in 1995. In 2019, a group of scientists came together to propose a new definition. Discover why synbiotics are more than simply a probiotic-prebiotic combination and how they can benefit you.
Les synbiotiques : bien plus qu’une simple combinaison de probiotiques et prébiotiques
11 Aug 2021by Andreu Prados
Le terme « synbiotique », moins connu que les termes « probiotique » ou « prébiotique », est né en 1995. Un groupe de chercheurs en a actualisé la définition en 2019. Découvrez pourquoi les synbiotiques sont bien plus qu’une simple combinaison de probiotiques et prébiotiques et en quoi ils peuvent être bénéfiques pour la santé.
Modulating gut microbes with fiber, microbiota-accessible carbohydrates and prebiotics: an update of definitions and health benefits
2 Aug 2021by Andreu Prados
While we have known for a while that a diet consisting of fiber-rich foods reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases and lowers people’s mortality rate, scientists have only recently started elucidating why fiber is beneficial for human health. This article clarifies the definition and health implications of the closely related terms fiber, MACs and prebiotics.
Could dead microorganisms or their components promote health? Is it time for postbiotics
7 Jul 2021by Andreu Prados
It is known that live microorganisms, when ingested in adequate amounts, may confer health benefits. Now, scientists have established a consensus definition for dead microbial cells and/or their components and clarified how you might benefit from them.