Probiotics & the microbiome – roles in health and disease

In this third article in our microbiome and probiotics series we look at variations of the microbiome frequently seen in common health conditions and review the evidence to see which probiotic strains are best to use.

Previously, we discussed what influences the gut microbiota and how it changes with age.

Additional factors may also impact on the variability of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals. These include the effects of enterotypes (clusters of bacteria in the gut), an individual’s body mass index (BMI) level, external factors such as lifestyle, exercise frequency and ethnicity, and dietary and cultural habits. We will take a closer look at these factors and how they modify the gut microbiota, and the possible implications for human health.