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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Digestion and Metabolism

Gut microbiota

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

nounCommon term

In nutrition & dietetics, gut microbiota means: The trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, mainly the large intestine, and help digest fiber, make some vitamins and support immunity.

In Turkish: bağırsak mikrobiyotası, bağırsak florası

How it is used

A fast-growing research area. Scientists talk about the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota and how diet, antibiotics and illness change it. In everyday speech people say 'gut bacteria' or 'gut health'; 'gut flora' is an older term.

Example sentences

  1. A diet rich in different plant foods is linked to a more diverse gut microbiota.

  2. Antibiotics can disturb the gut microbiota for weeks or even months.

Common collocations

  • gut health
  • gut bacteria
  • microbiota diversity
  • gut flora
  • probioticLive microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeasts, that may benefit health when consumed in sufficient amounts. They are found in some fermented foods and in supplements.
  • dietary fiberThe parts of plant foods that the human small intestine cannot digest, found in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. It supports bowel function and can help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
  • digestionThe process in which the mouth, stomach and intestines break food down into small molecules that can be absorbed into the blood and used by the body.
  • absorptionThe process by which digested nutrients pass from the intestine, mainly the small intestine, into the blood or lymph so the body can use them.

More terms: Digestion and Metabolism

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.