Considerable advances have been made trying to decipher the role of the microbiome in nutrition and health. There are clear associations between changes in gut microbiota composition and some diseases or disorders. Because of these associations, the possibility to treat or prevent these diseases by modulation of the microbiome has emerged as a promising tool but without consistent results. In addition, we are still some way far from fully understanding what constitutes a healthy microbiota.
Interventions including dietary changes, intake of specific bioactive compounds and fecal microbiota transplant among others have been employed to modify microbiota composition or its function. The number of scientific studies addressing the impact of probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics on microbiota is extensive, but for other specific interventions and novel developments such as genetically modified microorganisms or postbiotics the number of available publications is limited.
This Research Topic will focus on the following:
1) Novel strategies and interventions modulating microbiota composition and function (including fecal microbiota transfer, probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, postbiotics, engineered microorganisms, bioactive compounds, functional foods, microbial metabolites) to improve nutritional status and health and/or reduce disease risk or progression.
2) The modulation of the microbiota can be focused on changes in the relative distribution of microbial species or strains, the actual number of these microorganisms, their metabolic activity, and/or their interactions with the host.
3) Research exploring and defining optimal microbiota composition and activity, regulatory framework related with novel interventions.
Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Commentary and Opinion articles are welcome.
Considerable advances have been made trying to decipher the role of the microbiome in nutrition and health. There are clear associations between changes in gut microbiota composition and some diseases or disorders. Because of these associations, the possibility to treat or prevent these diseases by modulation of the microbiome has emerged as a promising tool but without consistent results. In addition, we are still some way far from fully understanding what constitutes a healthy microbiota.
Interventions including dietary changes, intake of specific bioactive compounds and fecal microbiota transplant among others have been employed to modify microbiota composition or its function. The number of scientific studies addressing the impact of probiotics, prebiotics and symbiotics on microbiota is extensive, but for other specific interventions and novel developments such as genetically modified microorganisms or postbiotics the number of available publications is limited.
This Research Topic will focus on the following:
1) Novel strategies and interventions modulating microbiota composition and function (including fecal microbiota transfer, probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, postbiotics, engineered microorganisms, bioactive compounds, functional foods, microbial metabolites) to improve nutritional status and health and/or reduce disease risk or progression.
2) The modulation of the microbiota can be focused on changes in the relative distribution of microbial species or strains, the actual number of these microorganisms, their metabolic activity, and/or their interactions with the host.
3) Research exploring and defining optimal microbiota composition and activity, regulatory framework related with novel interventions.
Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Commentary and Opinion articles are welcome.