Diet and health: the role of the intestinal microbiota in metabolic diseases

Recent publications underline the connection between the intestinal microbiota and diet and certain diseases like diabetes (types 1 and 2); they also hint at potential therapeutic benefits based on the use of probiotics and prebiotics.

For example, we are told that the positive effects of a balanced diet don’t affect everyone equally. The problem lies with our intestinal microbiotas: no two are completely alike, even in twins. Depending on what bacteria make up the majority, the effects of regulating diet can vary depending on the intestinal flora. Our dietary habits also play a role. Some microbiotas have been shown to be more resistant to changes in food. Eventually we will be able to account for all of these parameters (dietary habits, personal composition, and intestinal flora resilience) and be able to tailor any diet to any individual.

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