7- Nutrition and the Gut Microbiome Flashcards
What are the 3 recommendations WHO makes for adolescent nutrition?
- Reduction of sugar
- Reduction of salt intake
- Supplementation of iron and iodine
How are humans colonised?
By over 30 trillion microorganisms
How has the body developed to how it is colonised?
It has adapted its organs in symbiosis with these microorganisms
What does ‘gut microbiome’ refer to?
Combined genetic material of bacteria, archaea, yeasts, viruses and protozoa
What do gut microbiota influence?
Initial brain development but also brain responsiveness and function across the lifespan
What is the gut-brain axis?
Bidirectional communication via neural, endocrine and immune pathways
What has gut microbial composition been shown to regulate?
Gene expression and the release of metabolites in the brain
What is dysbiosis and what is the consequence of it?
A significant reduction in bacterial diversity- may lead to psychological abnormalities and mental illness
How is the gut microbiota related to other functioning in adults?
Related to atypical social functioning in autism, and symptoms of anxiety and depression
Why does the period from childhood to adulthood have multiple critical windows?
Where microbiota help fine-tune the gut-brain axis, with long-lasting consequences for the individual
How were prebiotic interventions studied in young women?
64 female participants (aged 17-25) had a 4-week course of prebiotics or placebo with a comprehensive behavioural and psychological assessment- high vs low anxious groups
Nutrition diary and stool sampling for microbiome sequencing
What percentage of young experts on psychobiotics have used diet to manage mental health and wellbeing?
66%
