The Gut Microbiome–Human Body Symbiosis: Relevance of the Ubiquitous Microbial Community on Health and Development, Part 2

Abstract

The human gut microbiome, comprising a range of microbial species (~100 to 1,000), is an extremely malleable ecosystem. It originates around the time of human birth and evolves as the infant grows until it matures into the relatively stable adult gut composition. Through this dynamic evolution, the composition of the gut microbiome is influenced or altered by factors such as diet, environment, mode of birth, genetics, infections, and medications. Strong associations between such alterations (dysbiosis) and diseases have led scientists to develop therapies that target a malfunctioning gut. Research is now focused on the microbiota or their associated metabolites as potential therapies. Treatment options explored include prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplants, and live biotherapeutic products. The gut microbiome is not a panacea for all health issues; rather, it is part of a large network of interconnected operating systems within the human body. As communicators of scientific data, medical writers play a vital role in educating the public on the merits and limitations of gut microbiome therapeutics. Popular discourse, however, can be influenced by misinformation. With the ever-growing influence of social media, the lay reader must learn how to critically appraise the health information propagated by these sources. This second part of the gut microbiome series explores the association of the gut microbiome with human disease and the role that social media plays in influencing the popular perception and understanding of the importance of the gut microbiome. Approved and experimental therapies using the gut microbiome will be discussed.