Manipulating the Gut Flora

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents a complex ecosystem in which a balance exists between the intestinal microflora and the host. The microflora comprises predominantly of facultative anaerobes e.g. lactobacillus and obligate anaerobes e.g. bifidobacterium. Aerobic organisms are not present in the GI tract of healthy individuals except Pseudomonas in very small numbers. Most of the gut micro-organisms reside in the colon in a concentration of 101012 colony forming units per ml. The gut microflora is important for maintaining human health. It helps in the development of normal intestinal morphology, maturation of immune system, re-enforcing the barrier function of intestinal mucosa, (thus preventing the attachment of pathogenic micro-organisms and entry of allergens) and for maintaining a chronic and immunologically balanced inflammatory response. In addition, the microbes also contribute to body’s requirement for certain vitamins such as biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B 12 .