What is the role of the microbiota?

Here's a quick look at how Prof. Sokol answers this question from his patients
 

It is generally thought that bacteria are always harmful and sources of infections and other diseases.

But most often, and particularly in the case of the gut microbiota, this is not the case. Bacteria have colonized the digestive tract of animals since time immemorial, a relationship beneficial to both bacteria and animals has been established.
This is called "symbiosis."

In our digestive tract, bacteria enjoy free lodging and food! And in return, they help us stay healthy.

Thus, the microbiota fulfills many key roles, the main ones being:

• The digestion of fibers: plant fibers (such as inulin, for example, which is found notably in onions and leeks). Indeed, our human cells are incapable of digesting the fibers present in fruits and vegetables. After ingestion, they reach the colon where bacteria "digest" them for us. Bacteria extract what they need and produce in return very important molecules for the proper functioning of the digestive tract.
• The microbiota also produces vitamins, such as vitamin K, which is essential for proper blood clotting. 
• The microbiota plays a key role in educating our immune system. It helps to mature and develop the immune system, especially in young children. Intestinal bacteria help form and regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. 
• The microbiota plays a role in fighting pathogenic microorganisms, that is, harmful ones, which can cause intestinal infections.
• The microbiota also strengthens what is called the "intestinal barrier," that is, the proper "tightness" of the intestine. This prevents just anything from entering the body through the intestinal route.

There are indeed many other functions of the microbiota that are currently the subject of significant research.

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