Modulation of the gastrointestinal microbiome with nondigestible fermentable carbohydrates to improve human health

Vertebrates have evolved with dense microbial populations in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract (referred to as the GI microbiome) that contribute to performance and health of the host (1). Although symbiotic in nature, animal experiments have established that the GI microbiota plays a causative role in the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, autism, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other atopic diseases including asthma (Fig. 1) (2). CNCDs are often associated with microbial dysbiosis, which is typically characterized by a reduced diversity, a bloom of facultative taxa (such as enterobacteria), and a lower output of beneficial metabolites (3). These associations provide a clear rationale for the development of strategies that modulate GI microbiome structure and function for the prevention of CNCDs (4).