As well as the gut

microbiota, our bodies contain

many other types of microbiota:

on the skin, in the mouth, lungs,

and nose, to name a few. The gut

microbiota is the most “densely

populated” of them all.

What does it do?

160

species

of bacteria in their

gut microbiota

and only half of them

are common

to all individuals

A healthy person has

It is thought that

all humans share

a common base

of between 15

and 20 species

which carry out the

essential functions

of the microbiota

B

A

C

T

E

R

I

A

T

O

S

U

I

T

E

V

E

R

Y

O

N

E

A family affair

Helps

digestion by absorbing

nutrients, defends our body

against pathogenic agents,

stimulates our immunity

and metabolic capacities.

Where does the gut microbiota hide out?

It is mainly found

in the small intestine

and the colon

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