Humans have more bacteria in their gut than cells in their whole body. During the last decade, it has become clear that the gut bacteria exist in a symbiotic relation with the host, and play a pivotal role for host health – Particularly in the context of immune-related diseases.

I am heading the research group on Gut, Microbes and Health, which primarily works within the areas of gut microbiota and food ingredients.  We study the interplay between diet, intestinal microbiota and the immune system, and create knowledge that contributes to the development of healthy foods and ingredients, as well as to new strategies for alleviation of diseases that relate to the composition of gut bacteria.

 

I am heading The National Food Indtitute research group on Intestinal Microbial Ecology.

The focus of our research is on effects of diet on composition, activity and genetic exchange in the gut microbiota, as well as on effects of the gut environment on resistance to pathogenic infections. Additionally, we adress the impact of gut microbes on maturation and maintenance of the host immune system. We look at effects of whole food items as well as of prebiotic carbohydrates and probiotic bacteria.