INvestigating the role of Functional foOds and beveRages to iMprove health and recovery (INFORM)

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Trillions of bacteria inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract (gut). They grow within us and produce a range of end products that can impact on our health. The diet we consume influences this microbial community and this means we can alter these inhabitants through diet, thereby having an influence on health. This research hub, will look at functional foods targeting gut microbes and how they can support recovery from exercise, mental stresses and improve recovery from illness. The hub name is INFORM "INvestigating the role of Functional foOd and beveRages to iMprove health and recovery (INFORM)"The foods that will primarily be focused on will include: Prebiotics: foods to support the growth and activities of positive microorganisms already existing within us, ultimately leading to beneficial health effects; Probiotics: microorganisms that when consumed in high enough quantities have a positive effect on health; Plant stanols: mainly associated with lowering blood cholesterol, they have recently been observed to impact on the gut microbiota. Exercise gives rise to a range of benefits to our health and well-being, but can also lead to negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract and also lead to detrimental effects on the immune system. Gut bacteria work in close communication with the immune system, therefore, by influencing gut microbes, gut issues and an increased immune inflammatory conditions might be reduced. Furthermore, modulation of the gut microbial community can reduce infections. Mental stresses that we encounter in every day lives, from exams, to work pressures, can take their toll on our cognitive well-being. The gut microbiota has also been seen to be linked to the brain in a two way communication pathway. From being involved in the production of neuro-active molecules, to supporting the blood brain and epithelial barriers, the microbiota aids the immune system and concurrently impacts on the brain. As such, appropriate functional foods could also support mental well-being.Communication of the gut microbiota with the immune function also means it can aid in recovery from various illnesses. These may include upper gut infections and gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, functional foods used within a healthy population could support the maintenance of good health and well-being across the lifecourse.The research hub will bring together experts in gut microbiota, mental health, sports and exercise, bone health, metabolism and clinical conditions. Along with members of the food, healthcare and sport industries. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach will be used to address these issues, generate ideas and researching solutions to push forward this important research. The hub will run for 5 years and will be open for new members. It will be dynamic in its remit and evolve, adopting industry trends, advances in research capabilities, government policy and regulatory frameworks. As such it is an essential route to bring relevant functional foods to the forefront of research and health maintenance.