The interaction between the gut microbiota, nutrition, and human health

The biodiversity of the gut flora is widely accepted as a key indicator of human health. The diversity of gut flora depends on age, lifestyle, diet and the use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics. The normal flora is called the microbiota, and the entire genetic material of all microorganisms makes up the microbiome. Probiotics have functions from digesting food, absorbing nutrients to modulating immunity. The purpose of this review is to point out the importance of proper nutrition, as well as the importance of the rational use of antibiotics in order to preserve the biodiversity of the gut flora, which contributes to human health. Articles were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO databases. The research was limited to articles published between 2010 and 2026. Irrational use of antibiotics disrupts the gut flora, which can cause inflammatory bowel diseases, increase intestinal permeability, impairing individual health. The use of oral probiotics with antibiotics can be important in preserving the gut microbiota, and can also help in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Taking probiotics helps build a diverse population of beneficial gut bacteria before infection occurs, so it is especially recommended to take them during the season of foodborne infections (like summer). The combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii has proven to be beneficial. After stopping oral probiotics, the microbiota continues to form depending on the diet. Biodiversity of gut flora is different in each person, although it is quite similar among family members with a common environment and diet. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.