Comparative analysis of intestinal tract models

Williams, C. F., Walton, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5426-5635, Jiang, L., Plummer, S., Garaiova, I. and Gibson, G. R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0566-0476 (2015) Comparative analysis of intestinal tract models. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, 6 (1). pp. 329-350. ISSN 1941-1413 doi: 10.1146/annurev-food-022814-015429

Abstract/Summary

The human gut is a complex ecosystem occupied by a diverse microbial community. Modulation of this microbiota impacts health and disease. The definitive way to investigate the impact of dietary intervention on the gut microbiota is a human trial. However, human trials are expensive and can be difficult to control; thus, initial screening is desirable. Utilization of a range of in vitro and in vivo models means that useful information can be gathered prior to the necessity for human intervention. This review discusses the benefits and limitations of these approaches.