About this Research Topic

Background

Microbes are crucial to the production of food in the field as well as its preservation and consumption by humans, playing a key role in determining food quality. Firstly, microbes help to maintain the health of the soil through providing plants with vital macro- and micronutrients. Additionally, they are involved in the physiology, storage, and nutrient generation of plants. Furthermore, in humans, the digestion of food, release of its components, and its utilization for the host's health benefits are all essential functions of the gut microbiota. Thus, it may be postulated that microbes play a significant role from the field to the gut in the synthesis and consumption of nutrients necessary for optimal health.

It is intriguing and difficult to comprehend the physiological role microbes play in the food system. Not only must we understand their role in storage and potential for improving the shelf life of foods, but it is necessary to understand how microbes contribute to food production and how they adapt to changing climatic conditions and agronomic techniques. Moreover, difficulties are also faced in understanding the intricacy of microbial diversity and how each species interacts with the microbiota, plants and others foods, and their components. The exploitation of the gut microbiota in relation to nutrition and health benefits is on the rise, however, more studies are necessary to understand the host-microbe interactions' complexity and variability among humans. It is also necessary to conduct studies on how dietary components interact with gut flora and affect the metabolism and utilization of food. Further, research must be conducted on the role of dietary components on gut health and vice-versa.

Linked with the International Conference held on 3rd June 2023, “Food, Diet, and Microbiota Linkages and Their Role in Health”, organized by Research and Innovation Support for Higher Impact (RISHI), this Research Topic will bring three key research areas related to the role of microbes in the production and utilization of nutrients for good health. We welcome everyone to submit original research or review articles of high quality in the following research areas (but not limited to):

• Role of microbes in the production of quality produce.
• Role of microbes in maintaining the food quality, storage, and nutrient production.
• Role of microbes in digestion and disintegration of food components for good health.

Keywords: Microbes, food quality, yield, bioactive components, bioavailability, nutrient cycling, microbiota, gut health, microbiome, gut microbiome, Society Affiliation RT

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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