Review

Gutbliss Weekly Review – March 3, 2016

Posted on by Gutbliss
03
Mar
  1. Gut bacteria influence height. Mice with strains of gut Lactobacillus plantarum produced more IGF-1 (a hormone important for normal growth) and were larger than their L. plantarum-free counterparts. A hopeful study for undernourished children susceptible to stunted growth. Labiotech

 

  1. Chocolate delivers beneficial bacteria to the masses, scientists hope! As chocolate consumption increases worldwide, food scientists look to transform chocolate into a functional food, one that contains prebiotics and probiotics for gut health. Science Direct

 

  1. Want to take important steps in cultivating a diverse and balanced microbiome? Get a dog! A link exists between the human and canine microbiome, and Gutbliss’ very own, Dr. Robynne Chutkan, along with her dog Hugo, explains. The Bark

 

  1. A high fat diet is linked to an elevated risk of colon cancer, by increasing gut stem cell production and encouraging other cells to become more like stem cells, which are more prone to mutations that lead to tumors. Medical News Today

 

  1. An Oral bacteria strain is highly associated with esophageal cancer risk. Porphyromonas gingivalis, responsible for gum disease, and an enzyme unique to the bacteria, were markedly higher in cancerous tissues versus healthy tissue. Infectious Agents & Cancer

 

  1. The transition from an infant to an adult-like microbiome may happen earlier than previously thought, between ages 1 and 2. To encourage the establishment of a diverse and balanced microbiome early in life, breastfeed if possible and introduce whole, colorful, high-fiber foods. Transition from infant- to adult-like gut microbiota

 

  1. Treating recurrent C. diff infection with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation is less effective in those with inflammatory bowel disease, a recent study shows. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

 

  1. Gut bacteria are linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse risk – microbial characteristics, including depleted Fusobacteria, increased Firmicutes, and the presence of Archaea Euryarchaeota, increase MS relapse risk in children. Journal of Neurological Sciences

 

  1. An “intermediate” microbiome is discovered – one that bridges the gap between the microbial characteristics of the Hunter-Gatherer and the Westerner – illustrating the evolution of the microbiome. The Bantu people of the Central African Republic, farmers who get their nutrients from livestock and local markets, posses microbial characteristics, including microbial ratios and diversity, that lie between the traditional Hunter Gatherer and the Westerner. News Week

 

  1. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation is not a cure-all. While it shows efficacy in recurrent C. diff infection, there are many risks that come with it, as well as limitations. Two scientists hope to make this message known. Nature

 

By: Leslie Ann Berg, MSPH