The microbiome is the term used to describe the collective genome: the gut microbiota’s genetic makeup is potentially 100 times larger than the human genome contributing 600,000 additional genes.4,6

The human genome can influence microbial composition, while microbes interacting directly and indirectly with the human body cause a range of different human responses to diet and disease. The gut microbiota:2,6

·       produces bioactive metabolites;

·       moderates the way the body uses metabolic resources;

·       helps balance energy needs;

·       regulates the immune/inflammatory response;

·       protects against pathogens;

·       supports the intestinal mucosal layer integrity

·       modifies intestinal permeability;

·       contributes to hormonal and cellular signalling.

This activity also may impact on medication, as seen in a study looking at the microbial metabolism of 271 drugs by 76 different gut microbes. The researchers found that two thirds of the drugs tested were chemically modified by the microorganisms to such an extent that the drug level dropped by more than 20%. Moreover, there is no common mechanism, with each microbe interacting uniquely with a drug.8