02-211 Audio CD: SYMPOSIUM: Modulation of the human and animal gut microbiota by dietary intervention

It now appears clear that the intestinal microbiota has a major influence on human and animal health and that this microbiota can be manipulated by diet. Evidence exists that relates obesity, Crohn’s disease, allergies, food intolerances and intestinal bowel disease to the intestinal microbiota. Thus, identifying the major players that comprise this environment--and then understanding the fundamental ecological relationships within this intestinal ecosystem and the interactions with the host--are of major importance for biomedical and food scientists. While this ecosystem was difficult to study for many years, modern molecular tools now exist to understand this environment and the relationship between the microbiota and the host in exquisite detail. This session will first provide a critical overview of the intestinal landscape, followed by a discussion of current research findings from the most active and influential laboratories. Attendees will leave with new insights into how food and food ingredients influence human and animal health.