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Human microbiome myths and misconceptions

Nature Microbiology volume 8, pages 1392–1396 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Over the past two decades, interest in human microbiome research has increased exponentially. Regrettably, this increased activity has brought with it a degree of hype and misinformation, which can undermine progress and public confidence in the research. Here we highlight selected human microbiome myths and misconceptions that lack a solid evidence base. By presenting these examples, we hope to draw increased attention to the implications of inaccurate dogma becoming embedded in the literature, and the importance of acknowledging nuance when describing the complex human microbiome.

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Fig. 1: Diversity of the human gut microbiota dramatically increases in the years after birth.
Fig. 2: Difficulties of establishing causality from correlation-based microbiota studies.

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Acknowledgements

A.W.W. would like to thank S. Patrick for the original invitation to give a talk on this topic, which inspired the subsequent writing of this article. A.W.W. and the Rowett Institute receive core funding support from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services division. L.H. is funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK, Healthcare Infection Society, Diabetes UK, Cancer Research UK and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement 874583. This publication reflects only the authors’ views and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbiome, Food Innovation and Food Security Research Theme, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK

    Alan W. Walker

  2. Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK

    Lesley Hoyles

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  1. Alan W. Walker
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Correspondence to Alan W. Walker.

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Walker, A.W., Hoyles, L. Human microbiome myths and misconceptions. Nat Microbiol 8, 1392–1396 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01426-7

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