Gut Microbiota and Human Health with special reference to Vitamin Synthesis

Humans are colonised by a vast, complex and dynamic consortium of microorganisms representing a common source of metabolic and genetic diversity. The composition of this ecosystem is influenced byvariousfactorsasmodeofbirth, environment, diet and use of antibiotics. The intestinal micro biota contributes towards essential vitamin synthesis, protection against pathogens, and maturation of immune system and metabolic well being of the host. Spectacular changes in socioeconomic status, cultural traditions, and agriculture are affecting dietary habits and nutritional status worldwide. It is crucial to better understand the interrelationships between diet, nutritional status, immune system and microbial ecology in humans at different stages of life, living in distinct cultural and socioeconomic settings. Vitamins play a key role in the body's metabolic cycle for generating energy. This is important as of human's lack the biosynthetic capacity for most vitamins and these must be provided from the diet. Although there are variety of foods containing vitamins, deficiencies still occur, mainly due to malnutrition as a result of insufficient food intake and furthermore complications associated with the absorption of these vitamins due to the absence of certain micro flora of the gut. Many studies have suggested that one can positively modify the contents of the gut microbiota by introducing fermented foods in the diet. This paper focuses on the beneficial role played by certain strains of microorganisms in the biosynthesis of essential micronutrients and how it can be coevolved along with the evolution of diet and environment.