What is the gut microbiome?

The human microbiome refers to the genetic material and products made by the vast numbers of microorganisms - bacteria, yeast, viruses, and archaea - that live with each other and with us. The gut microbiome is sometimes referred to as an “organ” that affects multiple systems throughout the body.

To give a little perspective, you have about one bacterial cell for every human cell. If you ignore red blood cells, this means that you have ten bacterial cells for every one human cell.

Even more impressive: There’s an estimated 3.3 million bacterial genes in your gut, which is 150 times more than the human genome.

But what does that have to do with our health?

Some bacteria produce vitamins and train your immune system. Other bacteria, like Bifidobacterium, help your baby digest specialized sugars in breastmilk called HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides).

 👉 From immune education and neurodevelopment to nutrient breakdown, maintaining energy levels, and more, bacteria - and their genes - are critical to our health