The Amazing Microbiome: A Microscopic Ecosystem Within Our Bodies, Part One
What is the Microbiome?
The microbiome is a unique, microscopic ecosystem residing within our bodies. In humans, the microbiome consists of all microorganisms, their genetic material, and the associated environment they create within a human host. Researchers generally use the term microbiota when referring to all microorganisms found in a specific environment.1,2 Bacteria, yeast, fungi, archaea, and even some viruses living inside us form a synergistic partnership for our benefit. These “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” are called probiotics by the World Health Organization.3
A growing body of scientific research shows the microbiome has emerged as a significant factor in maintaining health and fighting disease. While microorganisms can be considered good or bad, they are often allies that live in harmony with the host and provide great benefits. Our microbiome makes up about 1 to 3 percent of the body’s mass, about the same weight as the adult human brain! Even with this relatively low mass, it represents around 100 trillion individual microbes in (and on) the body. In fact, the microbiome dramatically outnumbers our human cells by 10 to 1.2 Even more impressive is the amount of genetic expression found in these 100 trillion microbes. They represent approximately 8 million genes that code proteins and control processes for our benefit. In comparison, our own genetic code is made up of only 20,000 total human genes.4 Microbes and their genes are a key part of the unique fingerprint for every human, animal, plant, and all organic matter on this planet. They hold a profound ability to positively influence the wellbeing of all living creatures on earth!
The Human Microbiome Project
Because microbes are so influential in our bodies, it is logical that the scientific community is expanding global initiatives to research and understand the microbiome. One of the most notable studies is the Human Microbiome Project. The Human Microbiome Project was launched in 2008 by the National Institute of Health (NIH) as an extension of the Human Genome Project.
The initial phase of the Human Microbiome Project (HMP1) involved defining the normal human microbiome. To create this comprehensive map, the HMP1 sampled 242 healthy U.S. volunteers (129 male, 113 female). Tissue from different parts of the human body were collected and analyzed for their microbial content. These included samples from the nasal passages, oral cavities, skin, gastrointestinal tracts, and urogenital tracts of volunteers.5,6 HMP1 resulted in a surprising amount of data being uncovered about millions of previously unknown microbial genes, and is the largest resource available about the human microbiome.
In the next phase, the Human Microbiome Project will study how microbial changes impact human health. This phase will be known as the Integrative Human Microbiome Project (iHMP). Specific studies will explore the microbial relationship with three microbiome-associated human conditions: inflammatory bowel disease, preterm birth, and type 2 diabetes. It is possible that new insights will be discovered and innovative treatments developed from this research.7,8
Dr. Toomasi is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special interest in metabolic
and digestive health and the human microbiome. She has had articles published
in the Natural Medicine Journal, as well as a peer reviewed professional journal.
Dr. Toomasi provides medical, scientific and regulatory guidance to Nutraceutical
Corporation brands where she offers research support for product development
and education advancement. Dr. Toomasi is an active member of the American
Society of Quality, Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Doctors and
Low Carb Diabetes Association.
