The Greatest Wealth is Microbes? The Critical Role of Microbiota in Healthy Aging
Session Track: Healthier Living
Session Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2013; 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Session Description
The human body is colonized by a vast number of microbes, collectively referred to as the human microbiota. The link between these microbes and our health is the focus of a growing number of research initiatives, and new insights are emerging rapidly. Some recent initiatives have focused on mapping the microbiota of healthy people, while other initiatives have ranged from identifying health contributions of a bacterial species to manipulating the gut microbiota to combat disease. This session will provide you with an overview of the growing awareness around the importance of the microbiota and its role in healthy aging. Through this session, you will learn about the emerging evidence linking the intestinal microbiota with healthy aging and diseases associated with aging. You will also get a framework to help develop new business opportunities based on diet-driven alterations in the microbiota. Finally, you will identify dietary components that have evidence of anti-aging benefits through intestinal fermentation and shifts in the microbiota.
Speaker Information
Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D., Director, Center for Nutrition Research, IIT’s Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH)
Christine Pelkman, Ph.D., Clinical Program Manager, Nutrition Research, Ingredion Incorporated