A groundbreaking study published in Cell has revealed that a portion of the human microbiome is directly influenced by the foods we eat. The largest-ever catalogue of microbes from more than 2,500 foods, including cheeses, meats, and fermented products like kimchi and kefir, suggests that certain bacteria and fungi from food are also present in the human gut.

Researchers found that microbes in fermented foods, such as Lactobacillus in dairy products, play a key role in shaping the human microbiome. The study also uncovered a high number of previously unknown microorganisms, particularly in foods like Mexican pulque and African palm wine.

While only a small percentage of adult microbiomes overlap with food microbes, the overlap is much higher in newborns, suggesting that food-related microbes may influence early gut development. This research opens new avenues for studying how food impacts health and how unidentified microbes in food could lead to new food innovations.

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For more detailed insights, check out the full article in Nature