The term "industrialised microbiome" has become a significant topic of discussion around gut health. In this article, we will look at what an industrialised microbiome is and how it impacts the microbiota in our digestive system. We will explore the concept of industrial microbiology and the differences between traditional gut microbiota and industrialised gut microbiota to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your gut health.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from this article about the effects of an industrialised microbiome on gut health:

• Industrialisation significantly alters the human gut microbiota through increased consumption of processed foods, widespread antibiotic use, infant formula feeding, modern medicines and enhanced sanitation.

• Traditional gut microbiota is richer in bacterial families like Prevotellaceae, Spirochaetaceae and Succinivibrionaceae, which are nearly absent in industrialised populations.

• Traditional diets, high in complex carbohydrates such as starch and glycogen, support a diverse and beneficial microbiota.

• Industrial microbiology utilises microbes for the large-scale production of pharmaceuticals, food additives and other products.

• Traditional microbiota reflect seasonal dietary changes. On the other hand, the microbiota of industrialised populations is more stable, lacking seasonal variations that contribute to microbial diversity and gut health.

Microbiome industrialisation refers to the influence of modern industrial practices and lifestyle changes on the composition and diversity of the human gut microbiota. This covers various factors including the widespread use of antibiotics, changes in diet due to processed and industrially produced foods and increased exposure to environmental pollutants. 

Industrial microbiology plays a significant role in this process by utilising microbes for the production of pharmaceuticals, food additives and other industrial products. As a result, the natural balance of our gut microbiota is altered which can lead to various health issues. 

On a broader scale, the term industrialisation refers to a process marked by significant technological advancements that enhance efficiency. This allows for the rapid and large-scale manufacturing of goods, foods, and medicines, making them more accessible and affordable.

Industrialisation significantly impacts the human gut microbiota through various lifestyle changes, such as increased consumption of processed foods, the use of infant formula, modern medicines, and enhanced sanitation [1]. The gut microbiota is essential for digestion, supporting the immune system and maintaining the intestinal barrier's integrity [2]. 

Research comparing ancient and modern microbiomes has shown that the types of species found in ancient samples are largely similar to those in non-industrial populations. These ancient and non-industrial microbiomes were rich in microbes capable of breaking down complex carbohydrates such as starch and glycogen, which shows these people were eating a diet high in these substances rather than in simple sugars [3]. Previously, the BBC has called for research into microbiome diversity across different populations, including those not heavily influenced by industrialisation.

Industrial microbiology is a branch of microbiology that leverages the capabilities of bacteria and fungi for large-scale production of valuable substances across different sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food production and energy. By using microbial metabolism and genetic potential, industrial microbiologists produce antibiotics, vaccines, enzymes and biofuels through processes like fermentation and genetic engineering. Microbiology not only supports the development of medicines and bio-based products but also enhances agricultural practices, promotes sustainable energy solutions and contributes significantly to global industrial innovation and sustainability efforts [4].

The traditional gut microbiota significantly differs from that of industrialised populations in several key ways. Traditional populations have an enrichment of bacterial families such as Prevotellaceae, Spirochaetaceae and Succinivibrionaceae, which are all but gone in industrialised guts. These populations have low levels of mucus-degrading enzymes. Traditional microbiota also have higher bacterial diversity and a greater variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Traditional microbiota also reflect seasonal dietary changes, unlike the more stable microbiota in industrialised populations where diet changes are not as seasonal [5].

The concept of an industrialised microbiome highlights the significant impact modern industrial practices and lifestyle changes have on our gut health. Factors such as the consumption of processed foods, widespread antibiotic use and increased exposure to environmental pollutants have all contributed to altering the diversity and composition of our gut microbiota. While traditional microbiota, rich in bacteria that support digestion and immunity, thrive on diets high in complex carbohydrates, industrialised microbiota are more stable and lack seasonal variations.

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[1] Vulnerability of the industrialized microbiota | Science

[2] Consequences of the globalized gut | University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division

[3] How your microbiome can improve your health - BBC

[4] Industrial Microbiology: Applications, Processes & Products - Study Smarter

[5] The impact of industrialization on the gut microbiota: major triggers and what can we do to improve health - Gut Microbiota for Health