The microbiome is the complete ecosystem of microorganisms and their genetic material living in and on the human body. The gut microbiome alone contains approximately 100 trillion bacteria from up to 1000 different species. These bacteria perform thousands of essential functions: producing vitamins, breaking down dietary fibre, regulating immunity, manufacturing neurotransmitters, and protecting against pathogens. The microbiome is now considered a virtual organ in its own right.
