Intestinal microbiota research from a global perspective

The intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in health and changes in its composition are linked with major global human diseases. Fully understanding what shapes the human intestinal microbiota composition and knowing ways of modulating the composition are critical for promotion of life-course health, combating diseases, and reducing global health disparities. We aim to provide a foundation for understanding what shapes the human intestinal microbiota on an individual and global scale, and how interventions could utilize this information to promote life-course health and reduce global health disparities. We briefly review experiences within the first 1,000 days of life and how long-term exposures to environmental elements or geographic specific cultures have lasting impacts on the intestinal microbiota. We also discuss major public health threats linked to the intestinal microbiota, including antimicrobial resistance and disappearing microbial diversity due to globalization. In order to promote global health, we argue that the interplay of the larger ecosystem with intestinal microbiota research should be utilized for future research and urge for global efforts to conserve microbial diversity.

Automated summary

The composition of human intestinal microbiota is closely related to major global human diseases, and understanding the factors influencing its composition is crucial for promoting health, combating diseases, and reducing health disparities. Experiences during the first 1,000 days of life and long-term exposures to environmental elements or specific cultures can have lasting impacts on the intestinal microbiota. Major public health threats linked to the intestinal microbiota include antimicrobial resistance and the loss of microbial diversity due to globalization. Future research should utilize the interaction between the larger ecosystem and intestinal microbiota to promote global health and conserve microbial diversity.