Supplements and functional ingredients Microbiome in mind


We’ve long known about the physical importance of the so-called ‘microbiome’ – the complex mix of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live inside us. But if healthy biomes are crucial across a range of conditions, from gut health to liver disease, there’s increasing evidence that what happens inside the body can also impact mental health. But beyond the headline excitement, how does the science actually work – and what other factors also mitigate the risk of neurological conditions? Phoebe Galbraith considers the evidence, speaking to Trevor Lawley of Microbiotica and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and Dr Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and author.


he microbiome plays an undeniably crucial role in our bodies. This is clear across a range of areas, from helping the gut digest food to destroying harmful bacteria. Developing from the moment you’re born, and only growing and diversifying to trillions of microbial cells by the time you’re an adult, this usefulness is matched by complexity. With up to 1,000 species of bacteria in


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the microbiome, each has an essential role in the body and for human health. That’s true from Firmicutes – the main bacteria for metabolising undigested food – to Lactobacillus, which protects the intestinal barrier from infection. Playing such a significant role on human health, it is little wonder gut health has earned itself the nickname the ‘second brain’ – especially considering


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