The Life-Long Role of Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Gastrointestinal Disease

Bacterial colonization of the intestines occurs during the first 2 years of life. Homeostasis of the gut microbiome is established to foster normal intestinal immune development for adulthood. Derangements in this process can interfere with immune function and increase an individual's risk for gastrointestinal disorders. We discuss the role of diet and the microbiome on the onset of such disorders. We examine how micronutrients, prebiotics, and probiotics modulate disease pathogenesis. We discuss how diet and abnormal microbial colonization impact extraintestinal organs. Understanding the communication of nutrition and the microbiome offers exciting opportunities for therapeutics.