Secrets of the microbiome: the gut
Science Weekly
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Variability of Gut Microbiomes and Impact of External Factors
The microbiomes of individuals differ significantly at a strain level, with approximately 10% overlap in the strains of gut microbes. This variability poses challenges for microbiome science but also explains the diverse ways in which diseases manifest in different individuals. Despite this individual variability, there are common genetic microbiomes that enable healthy gut function. External factors such as diet and nutrition in early life play a significant role in shaping gut microbiomes, with breastfed infants having distinct microbiomes compared to formula-fed infants.
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