Nutritional aspects of the intestinal microbiota homeostasis disorders

Abstract:

The population of micro-organisms or intestinal microbiota play an important role in regulating local and systemic immunity as well as in the increased absorption of a part of energy from the colon. Although during past years the microbiota was primarily considered in terms of possible effects on the digestive and immune system, today there is enough evidence to suggest much more complex actions. New discoveries affirm the role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of various metabolic disorders and the occurrence of obesity and malignancies, as well as mental health disorders. The role of microbiota in the formation of short chain fatty acids is well known, and more recently, studies validate the role of lipopolysaccharides as an initiate of systemic inflammatory response. Over the years, a number of strategies have been developed that manipulate the intestinal microbiota, from the application of antibiotics to a targeted intake of probiotics and prebiotics. Fecal transplantation represent a clinical recognition of the complex role microbiota have in maintaining health. 

Key words:
diet; dysbiosis; immune function; intestinal microbiota; obesity; probiotics