The gut–lung axis in respiratory health
Gut microbial dysbiosis can both cause and result from respiratory infections. Evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis reduces the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a set of gut bacteria derived metabolites, which is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections and/or secondary infections.
In rodent models, increased production/ delivery of SCFAs have been shown to reduce the severity of viral infections and consequential mortality, as well as alleviate allergic airway inflammation.
There is demonstrable potential for the development and assessment of SCFAs as therapeutical/nutraceutical aids to benefit respiratory health in specific groups, such as patients in hospital, women and their offspring, children, older adults, and athletes/military personnel.
https://www.cell.com/trends/endocrinology-metabolism/fulltext/S1043-2760(24)00329-1
