Introduction to the 2nd GMFH World Summit 2013

Diet is becoming increasingly popular as a means of managing IBS symptoms. A new study in 95 adults with IBS examines diet-gut microbiota associations and concludes that baseline gut microbiota is not a good predictor of clinical response to a low FODMAP diet or probiotic intervention.

Gut microbiome-targeted interventions are being explored as means of improving cognitive performance. A new meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled studies has found no significant effect on improving cognition for probiotics, prebiotics and fermented foods, whether alone or used in combination.

Host lifestyle and diet are known to have a significant impact on the gut microbiome. A large observational study across 3400 individuals shows that, beyond interindividual variability, gut microbiome heterogeneity may play a role in individual responses to diet, lifestyle and medication.