The human gut microbiota is the collection of all microorganisms that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota has a profound impact on human health, and its composition can be used to classify individuals into different enterotypes.
Enterotypes are defined as clusters of microorganisms that share similar ecological properties and are thought to be associated with specific host phenotypes. Enterotypes are not static; they can change over time in response to changes in diet or other environmental factors. However, they tend to be relatively stable once they have been established.
There are three known enterotypes: Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. Each enterotype is dominated by a different group of bacteria. The Bacteroides enterotype is dominated by Bacteroides spp., the Prevotella enterotype is dominated by Prevotella spp., and the Ruminococcus enterotype is dominated by Ruminococcus spp.
Individuals with the Bacteroides enterotype are more likely to be obese and have higher levels of inflammation than those with other enterotypes. The Prevotella enterotype is associated with a high intake of carbohydrates and fiber, while the Ruminococcus enterotype is associated with a high intake of protein and fat.
The composition of the gut microbiota varies widely between individuals, but most people fall into one of these three main groups. Enterotypes are thought to influence many aspects of human health, including metabolism, immunity, and nutrition. Understandingenterotypes may help us develop personalized approaches to medicine and nutrition that take into account an individual’s unique microbial makeup.