Gut Microbiota: Interactive Effects on Nutrition and Health

by Edward Ishiguro, Natasha Haskey, Kristina Campbell

Gut Microbiota: Interactive Effects on Nutrition and Health focuses on the fascinating intestinal microbiome as it relates to nutrition. The book covers the core science in the microbiome field and draws links between the microbiome and nutrition in medicine. Reflecting the most current state of evidence available in the field, the early chapters introduce key concepts about the microbiome, and the latter focus on the application of the gut microbiome and nutrition science. Both human studies and animal studies (where appropriate) are discussed throughout the work. Addressing topics such as gut microbiota throughout the lifespan, gut microbiota in health and disease, and genetic and environmental influences on gut microbiota, this book will provide scientists and clinicians who have an interest in the microbiome with an understanding of the future potential and limitations of this tool as they strive to make use of evidence-based diet information for the maintenance of good health.

Genres: Science

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2018

Reviews

[C.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a layperson, I found this book rather accessible. When the text made a reference to a particular medical term that I was unfamiliar with, it was easy enough to find a definition online. I found the structure of the book (divided into short chapters with reference pages at the end of each) helpful as it started with the basics of defining key concepts and terms (e.g. the text defines 'microbiota'; it also outlines the basic function and microbial environment of each part of the entire digestive tract), explaining the foundational information to the text, such as a brief historical lineage of the study of microorganisms, and clear explanations as to how microbiota of the human gut are studied via culturing and genome sequencing. The text includes figures in most chapters that help add a solid visual component to the concepts introduced, oftentimes to illustrate how a particular biological mechanism functions. Topics included discussions on microbiota richness and diversity throughout the human lifespan, the potential role of microbiota in various diseases or conditions (from metabolic, digestive, to neurological), and a healthy chapter that touched on various diet trends and their potential ineffectiveness (or even potentially detrimental effects). The reference studies included were human and mouse studies. By the end, the text suggests the potential role individualized microbiota may play in overall health and nutrition as it continues to be studied in coming years. I'm sure by now this text is very possibly outdated since it was published five years from now, but I figured that it would be a good introduction to basic gut and microbiota information, in any case. Glad I picked it up because that's exactly what I got out of it!