Gut microbiome science is a rapidly moving field of research with increasing evidence implicating the microbiota in the mechanisms of chronic disease advancement. Diet is a key environmental factor in the development and maintenance of the gut microbiota, with effects well beyond the gastrointestinal tract. That is, dietary components shape the gut microbiota which in turn plays important roles not only in digestion but also in metabolism and immune function. Despite these mechanisms being gradually elucidated, it can be difficult to pinpoint specific microbiome-focused interventions for chronic disease that are supported by evidence. This session will examine adult dietary interventions focused on the microbiome and compare popular perceptions with scientific reality. Probiotics, prebiotics/fibre, synbiotics, fermented foods, postbiotics and fecal microbiota will be covered with a particular focus on gut microbiota modulation in chronic conditions including obesity, diabetes and digestive diseases.
Learning outcomes:
- Describe the dietary exposures that manipulate the gut microbiome and the nature of the changes.
- Characterize the microbial shifts that occur in chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and digestive diseases.
- Recognize popular myths about current interventions targeting the gut microbiome and identify the chronic conditions for which scientific studies have truly shown efficacy.
Date of presentation: September 15, 2022, DC National Conference
Speakers: Natasha Haskey, RD, PhD (c) and Kristina Campbell, MSc
Materials:
- Video presentation (1 hour 3 min)
- Handout (pdf)
- Audio file (mp3 file)
Cost:
- $9.95 for students
- $19.95 for members
- $39.95 for non-DC members
