Gut microbiome
What it is
The gut microbiome refers to microorganisms associated with the gastrointestinal environment; usage may also encompass their genetic material and activities.
What it does
These communities interact with their environment and change with factors such as diet and medication.
Research context and ingredient forms
A community's composition is not a single universal measure of health.
Using this information
Changes in a microbe's abundance need functional and clinical context. A change alone does not show that a food prevents or treats disease.
Scientific Research & References
- Microbiome: Talking Glossary
National Human Genome Research Institute
Limitations: Supports the bounded definition or statement mapped to it. This source alone does not establish a food- or product-specific clinical benefit.
Source assessment recorded.
Related dictionary entries
Products containing it
No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.