Research confirms how having a healthy intestinal microbiota can better defend against serious infections.
The intestinal microbiota, that set of microorganisms that populate our intestine, plays a decisive role in the body’s defense against the most severe infections. This is what emerges from a study recently published in the journal ‘Lancet Microbiome’, conducted jointly by research teams from the University of Amsterdam and the University of Turku, in Finland.
The research highlights how alterations in the intestinal bacterial flora are frequent in hospitalized patients due to serious infections and how butyric acid-producing bacteria can offer significant protection.
Detailed analysis of the study
L’butyric acid, naturally present in foods such as butter, milk and cheese, it is also produced by the probiotic bacteria of our gastrointestinal tract through the fermentation of dietary fibre. This substance not only has a positive impact on maintaining colon health, but also proves to be a precious ally in prevention of systemic infectious diseases. The study highlights the importance of a diet rich in fiber – coming from whole grains, fruit and vegetables – to promote the endogenous production of butyric acid and thus strengthen the body’s immune defenses.
The research analyzed the profile of the intestinal microbiota of 10,899 individuals, focusing particularly on 602 subjects who were hospitalized for serious infections and subsequently died. The results show that the composition of the bacterial flora of participants suffering from serious infectious diseases differed significantly from that of individuals not affected by these conditions. In particular, one was found greater relative abundance of butyric acid-producing bacteria in subjects less exposed to the risk of severe infections.
The results of the study open new perspectives on the possible prevention of infectious diseases through modulation of the intestinal microbiome. The abundant presence in our body of bacteria capable of producing butyric acid could significantly reduce the risk of infections requiring hospitalization. The authors of the study therefore suggest further research to explore how targeted interventions on the microbiome can actually help improve our defenses against the most aggressive infectious diseases.
This important scientific work highlights once again how essential it is to maintain a healthy balance within our intestinal microbiota not only to ensure good digestion or absorption of nutrients but also as an effective strategy to protect us from more serious external threats such as serious infections.
