Microbiome and Nutrition
The complex community of bacteria, yeasts and viruses living in our intestines, collectively known as the gut microbiome, is shaped, in part, by what we eat. Genetics, environment, and other factors also influence an individual’s microbial community. Research at the NRI investigates these complex relationships and their impact on disease risk. We use animal models and bioinformatics to study the associations between nutritional metabolites, gut microbiome, and health. What happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut. Your microbiome can play a role in cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes, and even cancer. Our team envisions a future where analysis of your microbiome can determine disease risk, and medical foods can be prescribed to treat and prevent disease by regulating the microbiome.
Publications
Microbiome and Nutrition Publications
2020
Population studies of TMAO and its precursors may help elucidate mechanisms. Meyer K
2019
Association of dietary patterns with the gut microbiota in older, community-dwelling men. Meyer K
2018
Meta-analysis of human genome-microbiome association studies: the MiBioGen consortium initiative. Meyer K
Human microbiota, blood group antigens, and disease. Sumner S
2017
Trimethylamine N-Oxide, the Microbiome, and Heart and Kidney Disease. Zeisel S
2016
Diet and Gut Microbial Function in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Meyer K
Antibiotic-mediated gut microbiome perturbation accelerates development of type 1 diabetes in mice. Sumner S
Related News
Why Diets Don't Work
Karen Corbin, Ph.D., R.D. speaks on the myths, mysteries, and truths about diets.
Obesity: It's Not Easy Being Lean
Andrew Swick, Ph.D. discusses the effects of obesity and how to keep it at bay.
The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Philip May, Ph.D. speaks on the devastating effects and occurrences of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Gut Microbes: a Trillion Tiny Friends for Life
Melanie Spencer, Ph.D. explains how the microbes in our system effect us throughout our lives.
Diet and the Risk of Cancer
Steven Zeisel, M.D., Ph.D., NRI Director speaks on the effect our diets have on our risk of getting cancer.
Your Parents and Your Diet
Brian Bennett, Ph.D. discusses how genetics and diet relate to cardiovascular risk.