Microbiome
The collective genomes, metabolites, and ecosystem of microorganisms inhabiting a body site (most commonly the colon), distinct from the microbiota (the organisms themselves).
Also: Gut microbiome, Gut microbiota
The human gut microbiome contains ~100 trillion microbes encoding ~150-fold more genes than the human genome. It contributes to digestion (fermentation of fiber, polysaccharide degradation), vitamin synthesis (K, biotin, folate), immune education, and metabolite production (SCFAs, secondary bile acids, TMA/TMAO). Modulation occurs through diet, antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
How one textbook covers it
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 37: Biotics and Fermented Foods
The human gut microbiome contains ~100 trillion microbes encoding ~150-fold more genes than the human genome. It contributes to digestion (fermentation of fiber, polysaccharide degradation), vitamin synthesis (K, biotin, folate), immune education, and metabolite production (SCFAs, secondary bile acids, TMA/TMAO). Modulation occurs through diet, antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.
Related terms
Dysbiosis, Prebiotic, Probiotic, SCFA