Human Gut Microbiome: A Connecting Organ Between Nutrition, Metabolism, and Health
Sandra Valencia, Martha Zuluaga, Maria Pérez, Kevin Fernando Montoya-Quintero, Mariana S. Candamil-Cortés, Sebastián Robledo
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health, functioning as a metabolic organ that influences nutrient absorption and overall well-being. With growing evidence that dietary interventions can modulate the microbiome and improve health, this review examines whether healthcare systems should prioritize personalized microbiome-targeted therapies, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota transplants, over traditional pharmaceutical treatments for chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular risk, and inflammatory conditions. A systematic review using Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted, followed by a scientometric analysis. Key metabolic pathways, such as dietary fiber fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production, were explored, focusing on their impact on lipid and glucose metabolism. The interactions between microbial metabolites and the immune system were also investigated. Dietary interventions, including increased fiber and probiotic intake, show potential for addressing dysbiosis linked to conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. The review emphasizes the need to incorporate microbiome modulation strategies into clinical practice and research, calling for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates nutrition, microbiology, and biochemistry to better understand the gut microbiome's complex role in health.