Solutions to obesity and metabolic syndrome found in a modulation of the gut microbiome through stool transplantation

Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is the process of transferring the microbial populations from the intestine of a healthy individual into that of a patient with the aim to treat a medical condition. World-leading scientist Professor Jens Walter was among an international team of researchers led by Prof. Karen Madsen from the University of Alberta that discovered that the beneficial effects of FMT in patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome can be improved by the supplementation of dietary fiber. The results from this work, published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine, serve as a basis for the development of novel microbial therapeutic strategies aimed at combatting the growing worldwide epidemic of obesity. Prof Walter is based in University College Cork where he is a Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre and Professor at the School of Microbiology, Department of Medicine.

Prof Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Centre says “APC Microbiome Ireland carries out ground-breaking research in the area of the gut microbiome to help create solutions to improve human health and quality of life. FMT is proving to be a highly effective therapy and Prof Walter’s work in this area is of great significance. This work will benefit researchers and clinicians all over the world to find more successful ways to treat patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome and other conditions.”