Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has built Taiwan's first gut microbiome database
... mapping how intestinal bacteria change throughout life.

The Chang Gung Microbiota Therapy Center says the gut microbiome, often
described as the body's "second genome," is a complex ecosystem of
microorganisms that influences digestion, metabolism, immune function and
even cardiovascular health.

The center analyzed samples from more than 1,000 Taiwanese participants ...
from newborns to a 93-year-old ... to create a life-course map of the local
gut microbiome, providing a reference for understanding health patterns in
Taiwan's population.

A hospital official said most gut microbiome research has relied on data from
Europe and the United States, but differences in diet and lifestyle mean
those findings may not fully apply to Taiwan.

He said a locally developed microbiome database will improve the accuracy of
future assessments of health risks while supporting the development of more
personalized healthcare.

CNA_JvW