7 Summary

In this course you have learnt about the composition and functions of the human gut microbiome. In particular, you have looked at the role of the gut microbiome in metabolism of nutrients, gut structure and function, in protection against pathogens, in communication with the body (including the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and hormonal signalling) and its role during stress.

You have explored how the gut microbiome interacts with different parts of the body and considered how the gut microbiome can be altered by factors related to the human host (such as genetics, age, and the menopause) and through lifestyle factors (such as diet, exercise, and medications).

You have also explored how altered composition of the gut microbiome, called dysbiosis, is associated with various health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome (and small intestinal bowel overgrowth), as well as obesity and Type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, kidney disease and mental health.

Finally, you learnt about strategies for improving the health of the gut microbiome to restore balance, such as prebiotics and probiotics, and faecal transplants.

Hopefully, you now feel that you have enough knowledge to be able to confidently hold a conversation with other people about the importance of the gut microbiome in health and some disease conditions.

This OpenLearn course is an adapted extract from the Open University course SK190 Human biology: a body in balance [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .