Although they are often used interchangeably, microbiome and microbiota are different terms. The microbiota identifies the population of commensal, symbiotic or pathogenic microorganisms that colonise specific areas in our bodies, for example, the skin, nose, intestinal tract, and vagina.

Any unbalance, also called dysbiosis, in the microbiome is associated with the onset and progression of a range of chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, immune-mediated diseases, metabolic disorders, cancer, infections and even psychological disorders.

Hence, in recent years, interest in the role of the intestinal microbiota in health and disease has gained momentum.

In addition to regular activity, a healthy balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables supports the immune system, reducing the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases. In contrast, a poor diet compromises immunity and leads us susceptible to infections. Specific food and dietary patterns also influence the gut microbiota, which has been implicated in the development and progression of several health conditions. Modulating the microbiota to improve health is a rapidly growing science.

The probiotic market for use as foods and supplements has grown rapidly in recent years, but its regulation varies across regions. Probiotics are categorised as food supplements and do not come under the same regulatory framework as pharmaceutical drugs or medical devices. However, to maintain the stability of probiotic bacteria, specific manufacturing standards must be respected for the culture, the growth phase, purification, lyophilisation, blending and handling. In addition, probiotics are most often temperature-sensitive, and ongoing storage in a refrigerator is essential for viability.

The microbiota refers to the community of microorganisms that colonise specific areas such as the intestinal tract and the vagina. These ecosystems communicate via a functional axis in which the natural microbial migration of lactobacilli (from the rectum to the vagina) is facilitated by the anatomical proximity of the perineal area, as well as by the action of the mucosal immune system and intestinal metabolites. Any imbalance, or dysbiosis, of this microbiome is associated with the development of chronic diseases, including metabolic, immune or infectious disorders. As a result, modulating the microbiota through a healthy diet or the use of probiotics represents a rapidly growing field of science aimed at supporting immune and metabolic pathways.