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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 36(1)

Gastrointestinal microbiota, diet and brain functioning

Shakuntla Gondalia A B and Andrew Scholey A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Vic. 3122, Australia

B Corresponding author. Tel: +61 3 9214 5100
Email: sgondalia@swin.edu.au

Microbiology Australia 36(1) 25-28 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA15008
Published: 6 March 2015

Abstract

A growing interest for research in the relationship between the gastrointestine (GI), GI microbiota, health and disease is due to the potential for research identifying intervention strategies. Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that initial colonisation of bacteria in the GI tract can affect the individual's health condition in later life. Diet is an influential factor in modulating this complex ecosystem and consequently can help to modulate physiological conditions. The broader role of the GI microbiota in modulation of pathology and physiology of various diseases has pointed to the importance of bidirectional communication between the brain and the GI microbiota in maintaining homeostasis. An association of diet with metabolic diseases is well known and there are dietary supplements reported to improve brain function and cognitive decline. In addition to the plausible mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress for psychological conditions, more research into the role of the GI microbiota in combination with dietary factors as a component in psychological condition is warranted. From this work, targeted interventions could result.


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