Acute and chronic gut disorders have an increased prevalence in industrialised countries and represent significant medical and economic concerns. There is now strong evidence implicating the indigenous gut microbiota in many gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory conditions, gastroenteritis, immune dysfunction and some digestive cancers.
The human gut is a relatively under explored ecosystem and yet affords the best opportunity for reducing the impact of gastrointestinal disease through dietary intervention strategies. We use advanced gut models to test interventions, such as prebiotics and probiotics, that improve the microbiota composition and activity as well as human studies to further assess approaches.
Blood lipid reduction by a probiotic
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the major causes of death and disability in industrialised countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by the year 2020, up…Read More >
Gut microbiota influence on healthy ageing
The ageing process leads to a potential decline in immune function and adversely affects the gut microbiota. To date, many in vitro and in vivo studies have focused on the…Read More >
The gut microbiota in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders that profoundly affects the way in which a child relates and communicates with others. Although ranging in degrees of severity, several impaired development…Read More >
Development of a prebiotic product Bimuno®
Gastrointestinal dysfunction and disease is the most common cause of hospital admission in the UK, making it a heavy burden for patients, the NHS and the economy. The human gut…Read More >