Preterm (also called premature) babies can face a host of complications including neurological problems due to their underdeveloped physiological systems. Recent research shows that gut dysbiosis increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Specific probiotics have been effective in preventing this dangerous condition, which has led researchers to explore if probiotics may […]
probiotics
Obesity and the Gut Microbiome: Current Insights
Obesity has reached epidemic levels, leading to a global crisis characterized by myriad health issues, premature mortality, and significant economic burdens. The historical approach to weight loss has been fraught with challenges. While lifestyle changes, drugs, and surgery are options that can be effective in the short term, many people fail to keep the weight […]
The Microbiome & Probiotics in Space Travelers’ Health
Space travel subjects astronauts to a harsh environment. Microgravity, cosmic radiation, confinement, and other challenges lead to many health risks. Disorders may include reduced immunity, increased infections of the genitourinary tract, reactivation of viruses, bacterial resistance, cardiovascular issues, cancers, cognitive decline, bone loss, muscle atrophy, and mental health concerns. Dysbiotic changes in the gut, nose, […]
Age-related Macular Degeneration & the Gut Microbiome
About 200 million people worldwide are afflicted by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. As populations skew older, numbers are predicted to grow. Although treatments do exist for this complex disease, some patients show poor response. Researchers are now exploring the involvement of the intestinal microbiome in AMD, potentially offering a new […]
COVID-19 and the Microbiome: What Have We Learned?
As of early March 2023, the global health impact of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been devastating, resulting in a reported 6,866,434 deaths worldwide. Over the past three years, researchers have found strong evidence of the involvement of the gut and lung microbiomes in the development and progression of COVID-19 in […]
Probiotic Short Chain Fatty Acid Production and Colon Cancer
The colon microbiota is an important player in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), which caused 935,000 deaths in 2020 (the second most deadly cancer worldwide). During carcinogenesis, the colon microbiota composition changes from a normal profile to dysbiosis, interfering with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have anti-cancer effects. In addition […]