Summary
Published in the BMJ in 2018, this narrative review by Valdes et al. synthesises current understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in human nutrition and health. The paper examines how diet — particularly the consumption of fibre-rich and fermented foods — influences microbial diversity and composition, and how these microbial changes have downstream effects on host metabolism, immune function, and disease risk. It is likely aimed at a clinical and public health readership, offering practical dietary guidance grounded in the emerging field of nutritional microbiology.
UK applicability
As a broad international narrative review published in a UK-based journal (BMJ), the findings are directly applicable to UK clinical and public health practice, including dietary guidance and the management of diet-related chronic disease in UK populations.
Key measures
Gut microbiota diversity and composition; dietary fibre intake; short-chain fatty acid production; associations with metabolic and immune health markers
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews how gut microbiota composition is shaped by diet and in turn influences host health, including metabolic, immune, and gastrointestinal outcomes. It likely summarises evidence on dietary strategies — particularly fibre and fermented foods — that support microbial diversity and beneficial microbial function.
Topic tags
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