Knowledge

Why is the Microbiome Important?

Our gut microbiome plays an important role in digestion, nutrition and immunity1.

Overall, the microbiome contributes to vital mechanisms in the body, including:

  • Metabolism
  • Gut-brain axis
  • Synthesis of vitamins
  • Resistance to infection and inflammation
  • Production of short-chain fatty acids
  • Immune system development
  • Protection against pathogens
  • Control of fat storage

This fundamental role makes the microbiome important. It is a vital organ needed for us to function2. Every microbiome has their own signature of microbes that can strongly differentiate people’s profiles3 – just like fingerprints!

References

  1. Amon PSanderson I. What is the microbiome?
  2. Huttenhower C, Gevers D, Knight R, et al. Structure, function and diversity of the healthy human microbiome. Nature. 2012;486(7402):207-214. doi:10.1038/nature11234
  3. Ursell LK, Metcalf JL, Parfrey LW, Knight R. Defining the human microbiome. Nutr Rev. 2012;70(SUPPL. 1):S38. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00493.x
  4. Berg, Gabriele et al. “Microbiome definition re-visited: old concepts and new challenges.” Microbiome vol. 8,1 103. 30 Jun. 2020, doi: 10.1186/s40168-020-00875-0

On this page