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Applying Advanced In Vitro Culturing Technology to Study the Human Gut Microbiota
Published on: February 15, 2019
Relationship between diet, the gut microbiota, and brain function
Anouk C Tengeler1, Tamas Kozicz1,2, Amanda J Kiliaan1
1Department of Anatomy, Radboud university medical center, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
The human intestinal microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms, exerts a substantial effect on the host. The microbiota plays essential roles in the function and development of several physiological processes, including those in the brain. A disruption in the microbial composition of the gut has been associated with many metabolic, inflammatory, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. Nutrition is one of several key factors that shape the microbial composition during infancy and throughout life, thereby affecting brain structure and function. This review examines the effect of the gut microbiota on brain function. The ability of external factors, such as diet, to influence the microbial composition implies a certain vulnerability of the gut microbiota. However, it also offers a potential therapeutic strategy for ameliorating symptoms of mental and physical disorders. Therefore, this review examines the potential effect of nutritional components on gut microbial composition and brain function.
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