microbiomemodulating

Microbiomemodulating denotes the deliberate modification of the human microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in and on the body—by interventions designed to change its composition, diversity, or metabolic activity in order to influence host health.

Common approaches include dietary changes to increase fiber and polyphenols; prebiotics; probiotics; synbiotics; selective antibiotics under medical supervision; fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT); and the use of postbiotics or microbial metabolites.

Mechanisms involve shifting microbial populations, altering gene expression, and changing metabolite production such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acid profiles, and vitamins. These changes can influence intestinal barrier function, immune signaling, inflammation, and signaling along the gut-brain axis.

Clinical evidence supports microbiomemodulating strategies in certain contexts, notably FMT for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection; some benefit for inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic conditions, though results are variable and patient-specific, and mental health outcomes are an area of ongoing study.

Limitations include interindividual variation, temporal instability of effects, and safety concerns including risk of pathogen transfer, antibiotic resistance, and unintended metabolic consequences. Regulatory frameworks classify products differently (drugs, supplements, or procedures) and require robust clinical trials for approval.

See also gut microbiome, probiotics, prebiotics.