How mbiome writes, reviews, and updates evidence-based health content

mbiome exists to make microbiome science accessible and accurate. This page explains how we write, review, and publish our content and the standards we hold ourselves to.

How We Write Articles

Every article begins with a review of the current scientific literature on the topic. We read primary research papers, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines before drafting any content. Articles are written in plain English, avoiding unnecessary jargon while retaining scientific precision.

We aim to answer the questions that real people ask, not to produce academic papers. Our goal is to bridge the gap between published research and practical understanding.

Evidence Standards

We follow a clear evidence hierarchy when evaluating research:

1. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses — The strongest form of evidence, synthesising results from multiple studies
2. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) — Well-designed trials with control groups and randomisation
3. Observational studies — Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies that identify associations
4. Animal and in vitro studies — Useful for understanding mechanisms but not directly applicable to human health
5. Expert opinion and clinical experience — Considered but clearly distinguished from empirical evidence

Where we reference animal or in vitro research, we clearly label it as preliminary. We do not present preclinical findings as though they are established human health outcomes.

How We Select Topics

Topics are chosen based on:

• Public interest — Questions people commonly ask about gut health, probiotics, and the microbiome
• Scientific significance — Areas where meaningful research has been published
• Misinformation risk — Topics where commercial marketing frequently outstrips the evidence
• Practical relevance — Information that can genuinely help people make informed decisions

Our Editorial Process

Each article goes through the following stages:

1. Research — Literature review using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and reputable institutional sources
2. Drafting — Written with reference to specific studies, including author names, journals, and publication years
3. Review — Checked for accuracy, completeness, and clarity
4. Publication — Published with a date stamp and medical disclaimer
5. Periodic review — Articles are reviewed and updated when significant new research emerges

Citations and References

We cite specific published research throughout our articles, including journal names, lead authors, and publication years. Where available, we link to PubMed records and DOI references so readers can verify the source material themselves.

What We Are Not

mbiome is not a medical resource. We do not provide diagnoses, treatment plans, or personalised health advice. Our articles cite and summarise research, but they are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Please see our medical disclaimer for full details.

Conflict of Interest Policy

mbiome is editorially independent. Content decisions are based on scientific merit, not commercial interest. No article on this site has been paid for or sponsored by any third party.

If we include affiliate links to products or services in the future, these will be clearly disclosed. Affiliate relationships will never influence our editorial content, assessments, or evidence summaries.

How to Suggest Corrections

We take accuracy seriously. If you believe any article contains an error, an outdated reference, or a misleading statement, please contact us at [email protected] with:

• The article URL or title
• The specific claim you believe is incorrect
• A reference to the research that supports the correction

We review all correction requests and update articles where the evidence warrants it.

Contact

For editorial enquiries, please email the mbiome editorial team at [email protected].