The gut microbiome plays a key role in food digestion, producing breakdown products known as metabolites. Many of these metabolites, such as the short-chain fatty acids butyrate, propionate and acetate, can prevent various conditions, including inflammatory processes in the body.
"Every person has their own unique microbiome," explains GiG member Wolfram Weckwerth, head of the AIPN (AI-powered Personalized Nutrition for well-being and disease prevention) Research Platform. “From the patterns of microbial metabolic processes in an individual, it is possible to deduce the functioning of their respective microbiome and its disease-preventive potential. Building on this, we can develop personalised dietary recommendations.”
In AIPN, Wolfram Weckwerth is working closely together within David Berry (CeMESS, Cluster of Excellence „Microbiomes drive Planetary Health“) to gain a better understanding of these metabolic patterns and the microbiome’s preventive mechanisms.
David Gomez Varela, GiG member and Head of the Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics, explains that during periods of increased stress, e.g. the current heatwave, a healthy, fibre-supported gut microbiome may help the body cope better: “However, microbiome support should be seen as a long-term resilience strategy, not an emergency treatment.” Bearing this in mind, a diverse, fibre-rich diet may help maintain a microbiome that supports gut barrier function and balanced inflammatory responses, which could be relevant during heat stress.
Find out more about microbiome research at the University of Vienna:
- Austrian Microbiome Day 2026: Discover the highlights from the inaugural Austrian Microbiome Day, where researchers from across Austria explored the latest discoveries in microbiome research and discussed how microbial communities contribute to planetary health.
- Die Macht der Mikroben (German): In the Rudolphina Podcast, microbiologist Martin Polz explains why microbes are fundamental to life on Earth, how they shape ecosystems, and why understanding them is essential for addressing global challenges.
- Die Welt der Mikroben (German): Together with science communicator Florian Freistätter, this podcast explores the hidden world of microbes, their surprising roles in our everyday lives, and the latest research from Cluster of Excellence MicroPlanet.