After completing this module, you should be more aware of:

·       The size and nature of the microbiota in and on the human body;

·       Factors associated with dysbiosis;

·       The difference between ‘microbiota’ and ‘microbiome’;

·       The range of physiological activity of the microbes in the gut;

·       How the microbiota produces, uses, and interacts with digestive metabolites;

·       The significance of short chain fatty acids, especially butyrate;

·       The impact of diet on the diversity and activity of the gut microbiota;

·       The definitions of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic;

·       The range of gastrointestinal conditions that have been shown to be modified by probiotics;

·       Types of prebiotics, including lactulose, inulin and other dietary fibre-type compounds;

·       How irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases differ and possible microbial influences;

·       Evidence of probiotics easing gastric upset and diarrhoea due to various causes;

·       The potential impact of proton pump inhibitors and other antacids on gastric health and a role for probiotics;

·       Safety considerations around recommending probiotics;

·       Suggested dosing of probiotics and prebiotics.