Gut Microbiome and Functional Foods: Health Benefits and Safety Challenges

Abstract

Advances in molecular techniques comprising DNA sequencing, computational biology establishes the presence of bacterial phyla, which remains in symbiosis within human gut and is named the Gut Microbiome. The genetic composition of gut microbiome is 100 times larger than human genome. The critical involvement of gut microbiome in bioconversion of functional foods induces change in physiology, metabolism, and immunity of human. The mechanistic study on this emerging area holds key promises for novel therapeutic options beneficial for healthcare sector as compared to conventional methods. The current review focuses on gut microbiome symbiosis and role of functional food in treatment of metabolic disorders, chronic diseases onset due to imbalance in gut microbiota. Future challenges in development of functional food with potential health benefits of consumers' choices are also emphasized. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.