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.
A newly isolated human butyrate-producing bacterium might counteract some features of obesity
12 Jul 2021by Patrice D. Cani
The gut microbiome is a potential target of interest for scientists in managing obesity and related metabolic diseases. Scientists have isolated a new-bacterium highly prevalent in the human gut and showing benefits for host metabolism.
Is it time to include safe, live microorganisms as components of a balanced diet?
23 Jun 2021by Mary Ellen Sanders
Scientists agree that having a gut microbiota that is in ‘good shape’ is a crucial component of individual health and well-being. Although exactly how ‘good shape’ is defined is not so clear, many experts recommend consuming more live dietary microbes through including fermented foods that retain live microbial components.
The role of probiotics on respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in healthy people: what science says today?
29 Mar 2021by Andreu Prados
The role of gut microbiota in shaping immune responses has led scientists to explore the modulation of the immune system as a mechanism underlying the health benefits of probiotics. A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized clinical trials suggest probiotics may reduce the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in generally healthy children and adults.
Following a diverse diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fermented foods, could play a protective role against severe forms of COVID-19. A new review presents the hypothesis highlighting the link between a less diversified microbiota, a high intake of processed foods and refined sugars and severe Covid-19 cases in Western countries.
Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity?
15 Feb 2021by Andreu Prados
Is it time to consider next-generation beneficial microbes for tackling obesity? APC Microbiome Ireland researchers identify Bifidobacterium longum APC1472 as a promising candidate
How brain health affects gut microbiota health (and vice versa): What we have learned in 2020
20 Jan 2021by Cristina Sáez
A balanced gut microbiota is crucial for mental health. Learn more about how gut bacteria affect our central nervous system, even in the earliest stages of life, and how some scientists are trying to find ways of targeting the gut microbiome to improve or treat symptoms of neurological diseases.
Should dietary guidelines advise consumers to deliberately include safe microorganisms in their diets?
18 Jan 2021by Andreu Prados
While for almost all of human evolution our food and water have contained large numbers of microorganisms, the industrialized human diet contains low microbial numbers. So are we ready to recommend a specific daily intake of microbes?
This year’s research has brought to light many interesting advances in the field of gut health and has unveiled some of the microbiota’s secrets. We have discussed the impact of diet, immunity, fermented foods, the characteristics of gut health, and of course we also covered COVID-19. So, can you guess what GMFH’s 10 most popular articles of 2020 were?
What do we know about the role of fermented foods on the gut microbiota?
17 Dec 2020by Andreu Prados
Fermented foods are an increasing focus of interest for both scientists and consumers. Few modern foods are a significant source of live microbes, and fermented foods can be the exception. What do we know about how those dietary microbes impact our gut microbiota and our health?
