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Gut Microbiome Diversity

Meaning

Gut microbiome diversity quantifies the richness and evenness of the various species of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. High diversity, characterized by a large number of different species and a balanced distribution of their abundance, is generally correlated with a resilient and healthy host state. Low diversity, or dysbiosis, is frequently associated with increased systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and susceptibility to chronic diseases. This metric serves as a crucial indicator of overall gastrointestinal and systemic health.