What is an enterotype?
Q: What is an enterotype?
A: An enterotype is a classification of gut flora, based on the ecosystem in the human intestinal system.
Q: How is an enterotype classified?
A: An enterotype is classified by identifying the bacteria and protists that live in the human gut biome.
Q: How many distinct ecosystems are there in the gut?
A: Research shows that there are three distinct ecosystems in the guts of people.
Q: Can people be classified into different groups based on the bacteria in their intestines?
A: Yes, people can be classified into one of three groups based on the bacteria in their intestines.
Q: When is a person's enterotype determined?
A: A person's enterotype is set while the person is an infant.
Q: How can enterotypes affect a person's health?
A: Enterotypes can affect how well a person can digest food or absorb drugs.
Q: Do chimpanzees have similar enterotypes to humans?
A: Yes, chimpanzees have enterotypes that look similar to human enterotypes. Type 1 has high levels of Bacteroides. Prevotella are common in Type 2. Type 3 has high levels of Ruminococcus.
