Malnutrition: Role of the Diet on the Microbiota and In the Functioning of the Gut Immune System

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota in health is characterized by stability and diversity; any changes under different metabolic or inflammatory diseases cause an imbalance, changes in the composition and consequently modification in the intestinal homeostasis.The intestinal microbiota is influenced by the microorganisms that enter with the diet. Malnutrition processes, both obesity and malnourishment, induces changes in the intestinal microbiota composition, affecting mainly lactobacillus, bifidobacteria and bacteroides populations. These changes are accompanied by alterations in the intestinal villi architecture and in the intestinal barrier function.The intestinal ecosystem is a complex microenvironment where, multiple cells type (prokaryote and eukaryote) interacting constantly. The microbiota modifications induced by changes in the eating habits have repercussion on intestinal immunity.Probiotic microorganisms contained in different foods constitute an alternative to induce a positive balance in the microbiota. On the other hand several studies demonstrate their ability to stimulate the immune system at the intestinal level.We summarize here the results published specifically on the relationship between microbiota, obesity and intestinal immune system.