ABSTRACT
A large and diverse community of commensal microbes is harbored in the human gut, in a synbiotic arrangement that influences both physiology and pathology in the host. First, the gut microbes conduct a multitude of biochemical reactions and they can be collectively conceived as a “metabolic organ.” Second, they provide an important barrier for defense against invasion by pathogens, and finally, host-microbes interactions
15.1 Summary ...................................................................................................... 333 15.2 Gut Microbiota .............................................................................................. 334
15.2.1 Host-Microbes Relationships ........................................................... 334 15.2.2 Primary Functions of the Microbiota ............................................... 335 15.2.3 Structure of the Human Gut Microbiota........................................... 338
15.3 Probiotics and Prebiotics ..............................................................................340 15.3.1 Concept .............................................................................................340 15.3.2 Metabolic Effects .............................................................................. 341
15.3.2.1 Lactose Digestion ............................................................... 342 15.3.2.2 Calcium Absorption ........................................................... 343 15.3.2.3 Hepatic Encephalopathy ....................................................344 15.3.2.4 Irritable Bowel Syndrome ..................................................344 15.3.2.5 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver ................................................. 345 15.3.2.6 Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity ......................................346
