Microbiota

Beneficial bacteria Microbiome micro-organisms that contribute positively to health (digestion, immunity, vitamin synthesis), as opposed to pathogenic bacteria. Butyrate A short-chain fatty acid produced when gut bacteria ferment fibre, the main energy source for the cells of…

Dysbiosis A lasting, pathological imbalance in the composition of the gut microbiome, marked by reduced bacterial diversity and an…

Gut barrier A complex interface between the inside of the gut and the body that lets nutrients through while blocking… Gut health A state of good functioning of the digestive tract, combining effective digestion, an intact gut barrier and a… Gut microbiome A complex community of billions of bacteria, viruses and fungi living in the digestive tract, forming an ecosystem… Gut-brain axis A two-way communication system between the gut (and its microbiome) and the brain, linking digestion, emotions, mood and…

Leaky gut (intestinal permeability syndrome) An abnormal increase in intestinal permeability allowing unwanted substances (bacteria, toxins, food antigens) to cross the gut barrier…

Microbiome All the micro-organisms AND their genes present in a given environment (often the gut), not to be confused…

Postbiotics Beneficial compounds produced by gut bacteria during fermentation (such as short-chain fatty acids), or inactivated bacterial fragments with… Prebiotics Food compounds (generally fibres or carbohydrates) that humans cannot digest but beneficial gut bacteria can ferment, promoting their… Probiotics Live micro-organisms (mainly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria) which, taken in sufficient quantity, bring a benefit to gut and…

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) Molecules (butyrate, propionate, acetate) produced when gut microbiota ferment fibre, with major roles in gut, metabolic and brain… Synbiotics A combination of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (their food) in one product, designed to work together on…