Role of the Human Microbiome in Health and Disease in United Kingdom

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the human microbiome in health and disease in United Kingdom. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive's time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library Findings: The microbiome influences human health and disease by providing essential functions, such as nutrient metabolism, immune regulation, and protection against pathogens. However, the microbiome can also be disrupted by various factors, such as diet, lifestyle, age, genetics, and infections, leading to dysbiosis and increased risk of diseases. In the United Kingdom, research on the microbiome has been conducted to understand its role in various conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and mental health. The findings suggest that modulating the microbiome through dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation may offer novel strategies for preventing or treating these diseases. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Microbiome Dysbiosis Theory, Hygiene Hypothesis Theory and Microbiota-Brain-Gut Axis Theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of the human microbiome in health and disease in United Kingdom. Findings can invest in the development of microbiome-based therapeutics, including fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), engineered probiotics, and microbial-derived products. Policymakers should establish a regulatory framework for microbiome-based interventions, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and accessibility.