Minireview DIET INFLUENCES THE GUT MICROBIOTA: A MINIREVIEW

Diet and Microbiota

Abstract

The human gut ecosystem is dynamic in nature which harbors trillions of microorganisms. These microorganisms constituting the gut microbiota are highly diverse and abundant having multiple implications on wellbeing and health of a person. There is a complex interaction between diet and microorganisms which can lead to beneficial or detrimental outcomes to host health. Each individual harbors specific and diverse microbiota depending upon his diet intake, genetic makeup, medication, metabolic regulations, external environment and his way of living the life. Among all these factors, diet plays a major role in deciding and influencing the microbiota of any person. The effects of diet on the gut microbiota are mostly temporary in nature. The microbiota of a person can be modulated by consumption of dietary fibres and prebiotics. This review focuses on the role of diet in influencing the gut microbiota of varied populations in different regions of the world.