Intestinal Microbiomics (2015)

BACKGROUND
For many years it has been known that the intestinal microbiota composition and function affect the conversion and availability of dietary components. Conversely, recent studies have shown that the long-term diet is one of the principal determinants of gut microbiota composition and function. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence that the intestinal microbiome affects both gut and systemic health. Specifically, diet-related variations in the gut microbiota have been linked to a variety of non-communicable chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Gut microbiome analysis and modulation thereof is a new and rapidly developing research area.

However, there is a lack of studies investigating the causal relationship between diet, gut microbiota and health in man. These studies may provide novel strategies for health promotion and disease prevention, including diet and functional food ingredients. There is an International Human Microbiome Consortium (IHMC) that is focused on generating a shared comprehensive data resource that will enable investigators to characterize the relationship between the composition of the human microbiome (or of parts of the human microbiome) and human health and disease. However, there is a need for joint research activities in the area of intestinal microbiomics with the aim to share and integrate data for performing meta-analyses and standardise methods to analyse and understand the human diet-gut microbiome interaction.

AIM OF THE CALL
The main objective of the Joint Action “Intestinal Microbiomics” was to support multidisciplinary transnational research consortia using innovative and scientific approaches to increase knowledge on:

• The short-term and long-term functional effects of diet*, dietary patterns and dietary constituents** on human intestinal microbiota***.
• The functional impact of diet-related variations in the intestinal microbiota on human health and/or the development of non-communicable chronic diseases***.

The overall vision was to develop dietary interventions or guidance for modulation of the intestinal microbiome to promote health and/or prevent the development of non-communicable chronic diseases. The program aimed at the generation of new knowledge to support health maintenance and/or new treatments.

* Diet may include foods, nutrients and pre- and probiotics.
** Diet, dietary patterns and dietary constituents must be well-characterised and validated.
*** Well-established existing cohorts may be used where appropriate.