Finally, the authors note that the next wave of research should explore the safety and feasibility of modifying the gut microbiota in clinical trials involving humans.
"Although clearly no substitute for proper diet and exercise, manipulation of the gut microbiota may represent a novel approach for treating obesity that has few adverse effects," says Dr. DiBaise.
Other authors of this article include: Husen Zhang, Ph.D., Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, Ph.D., and Bruce Rittmann, Ph.D., from Arizona State University; and Mayo Clinic Arizona researchers Michael Crowell, Ph.D. and G. Anton Decker, M.B.B.Ch.
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