Introduction to Gut Microbiota

The human gastrointestinal system is home to a vast population of bacteria known as the gut microbiota, which have a profound effect on host health and homeostasis. The composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiota are largely influenced by diet (Bengmark, 1998). Different dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, and vegetarian diet, exhibit a varied balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, enabling the prevalence of specific microflora and, thus, aiding in reorienting the gut’s microbial composition. Certain bioactive metabolites such as SCFAs, tryptophan, and bile acids are produced during the microbial metabolism of different dietary components and have a substantial impact on the physiological processes of the host (Rowland et al., 2018). This chapter emphasises the interaction between the gut microbiota and the numerous diets that can affect the health of the host, as well as the molecular details of the metabolism of microbial metabolites.