In recent years, studies have demonstrated the fundamental importance of the intestinal microbiota in the proper functioning of the body and not only of the digestive system. Microbiota imbalances are thought to be involved in the development of various chronic pathologies. To advance research in this field, INRAE is launching a national project, called French Gutinviting every French person to participate in order to learn regarding the microbiota of the French population.
What is the gut microbiota?
The intestinal microbiota, formerly called the intestinal flora, corresponds to the trillions of microorganisms that live in the intestines, in symbiosis with the body. In practice, the microbiota microorganisms – because it is not just the intestinal microbiota but also the oral microbiota or the vaginal microbiota – are more numerous than all the cells that make up the human body.
In the intestinal microbiota, there are bacteria, viruses and even yeasts (microscopic fungi). Each human being has his or her own microbiota, although around a third of the microbiota would be common to all human beings. The microbiota and its specificities are formed from birth (especially at the time of contact with the mother’s vaginal and intestinal microbiota) and until the age of 2 or 3 years. The microbiota generally evolves little in adulthood, but can be unbalanced or disturbed by several factors:
- Taking medication and in particular antibiotic medication;
- Food;
- The occurrence of certain pathologies.
Gut microbiota and health
The intestinal microbiota plays essential roles for the proper functioning of the body:
- It participates in the processes of digestion, for example of the dietary fibers contained in food;
- It protects the body from pathogens that enter and colonize the intestines;
- It participates in many functions, such as satiety, growth, reaction to stress, pain, etc.
Inversely, in case of microbiota imbalance, what scientists call dysbiosisthe body is more exposed and more sensitive to certain diseases, such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) orobesity. And some studies suggest a link between dysbiosis and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease) or Alzheimer’s disease or neuropsychiatric illnesses such as schizophreniathem bipolar disorders or the depression.
The French Gut project
Knowledge and preservation of the intestinal microbiota is therefore of paramount importance. In this context, INRAE has just launched the French Gut projectwhose ambition is to map the intestinal microbiota of 100,000 French people by 2027. The main objective is to understand the influence of certain environmental and lifestyle factors on this microbiota and to analyze the impact of certain diseases on the microbiota.
Ultimately, the results of the French Gut project will make it possible to increase knowledge of the intestinal microbiota and thus to propose preventive nutrition personalized for each French person, in order to preserve its microbiota and therefore its health. This project is part of a vast international research program on the microbiota. To participate, every French person can go to the site. Once included in the study, he will be asked to give his stool for analysis of his microbiota!
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– The French microbiota, the French gut. microbiome-foundation.org. Accessed September 21, 2022.
