Traditional diets shape unique gut microbes of Indian tribes
Research on Indian tribal populations shows that traditional diets foster unique gut bacteria distinct from industrialised societies; the findings highlight an urgent need for biobanking to preserve microbial diversity and develop region-specific probiotic therapies as required
Researchers from India and abroad have uncovered the unique gut microbiomes of eight tribal populations across the nation, shaped by their traditional diets. The findings, published in Gut Microbes, distinguish these diets and microbial compositions from those observed in industrialized settings. The study underscores the importance of preserving these microbiomes in biobanks before they vanish, as India's indigenous population makes up less than 1% of global human microbiome samples.
The trans-Himalayan tribes, for instance, consumed a diet rich in grains and dairy, which fostered a more diverse gut microbiota, including a distinct strain of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, a bacterium associated with improved gut health. However, the researchers cautioned against viewing Bifidobacterium as a universal indicator of a healthy microbiome, as other diets may harbor similarly beneficial organisms.
The study's findings suggest that human biological evolution, microbial presence, and cultural dietary practices intertwine to create distinct gut microbiomes, contributing to overall human diversity.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
