FST 230 Food and Gut Microbiota

COURSE GOALS: Advances in our understanding of the human microbiome have prompted tremendous insights into how the gut microbiome interacts with our varied diets.  This class will explore the different methods by which the gut microbiome is assessed, as well as the role of different microbial taxa in food digestion.  In addition the course will examine the interaction and influence of specific food structures on the gut microbiome and the human host.  Topics will include the influence of dietary fiber, polyphenolics, prebiotics, probiotics and other food components on gut microbial communities as well as specific community members.   This course will also include group discussions of recent literature linking specific food structures to modulations of the gut microbiome as well as interactions with the host.