THE INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA AND ITS REPERCUSSIONS ON HEALTH

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota plays a fundamental role in maintaining the health of the host. This community of microorganisms, composed mainly of bacteria, performs a series of important functions, such as the digestion of nutrients, the production of vitamins, the metabolism of bioactive compounds and the modulation of the immune system. It is known that the composition of the intestinal microbiota can be influenced by several factors, including nutrition. Food plays an important role in shaping the intestinal microbiota. Studies have shown that diet can affect both the diversity and abundance of microorganisms present in the intestine. For example, a high-fiber diet has been linked to an increase in the prevalence of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which confer health benefits. On the other hand, a diet rich in saturated fats can lead to an imbalance in the composition of the microbiota, with an increase in the prevalence of pro-inflammatory bacteria. The composition of the gut microbiota may also have direct implications for human health. Changes in the microbiota have been linked to the development of a number of conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and even neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the immune response and the production of bioactive substances, which can influence the health of organs distant from the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding how nutrition affects the composition and functions of the intestinal microbiota is extremely important for the development of dietary-based intervention strategies that can promote a healthy microbiota and, consequently, improve human health. These strategies may include the use of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and even specific dietary modifications, aiming to promote a health-friendly balance of the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, knowing the influence of nutrition on the composition of the intestinal microbiota is vital for promoting health and preventing diseases.