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What is the microbiota and how does it differ from the microbiome?
The microbiota refers to the community of living microorganisms—mainly bacteria, but also viruses, yeasts, and archaea—that inhabit different parts of the body such as the gut, skin, mouth, or lungs.
The microbiome, on the other hand, includes not only these microorganisms but also their genes and metabolites. In other words, the microbiota are the “actors,” while the microbiome is the “script” they follow. 👉 Fun fact: the genetic information provided by the human microbiota is 150 times greater than that of the human genome itself.
The gut microbiota: our central hub
Although we have microbiota in many areas, the gut microbiota is the most numerous and diverse. It includes a huge variety of species, predominantly from the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes groups, along with Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and others.
Each person’s microbiota is unique and personalized, almost like a fingerprint. Factors such as age, diet, medication use, and even the mode of birth (vaginal or cesarean) influence its composition.
Key functions of the gut microbiota
Far from being passive guests, these microorganisms perform essential tasks for health:
- Protection against pathogens → they prevent harmful bacteria from settling and produce antimicrobial substances.
- Immune system regulation → they help the immune system mature and maintain balance.
- Digestion and metabolism → they allow us to extract nutrients we couldn’t digest on our own and produce beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
- Production of vitamins and amino acids → they participate in synthesizing essential nutrients.
- Maintaining the intestinal barrier → they strengthen the gut lining, preventing inflammation and leaky gut.
- Gut-brain connection → they influence neurotransmitters and mood, playing a key role in the gut-brain axis.
What factors influence the microbiota?
Under normal conditions, the microbiota is resilient and stable, but it can be altered at different stages of life or by external factors. This imbalance is known as dysbiosis.
The main factors that influence the gut microbiota are:
- Birth mode and breastfeeding.
- Diet and nutrition.
- Antibiotic and medication use.
- Stress.
- Lifestyle habits (smoking, sedentarism).
- Aging.
When dysbiosis occurs, the risk of digestive disorders increases (such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease), but it can also contribute to metabolic, immune, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases.
The microbiota throughout life
- Infancy → colonization begins at birth, influenced by delivery mode and early feeding. Vaginal birth and breastfeeding usually favor greater microbial diversity.
- Adulthood → the microbiota reaches a more stable composition, dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria.
- Older age → microbial diversity may decrease, with changes in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.
Nurturing your microbiota is nurturing your health
Today, science recognizes the gut microbiota as a cornerstone of digestive and overall health. Supporting its balance through mindful nutrition, stress management, targeted supplementation, and self-care practices can make a profound difference.
Although the microbiome is complex and individualized, research continues to provide new strategies to care for this invisible ally.
If you want to improve your digestion, energy, and overall well-being, taking care of your microbiota is an excellent place to start.
