Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Plain-English definitions of microbiome research vocabulary — the terms you'll see across articles, testing services, and probiotic claims.
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, and flaxseeds. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and research suggests they may support gut microbiome diversity by increasing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations and enhancing SCFA production.
Related terms
Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)
Metabolites produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre. The three main SCFAs — butyrate, propionate, and acetate — are critical for colon health, immune regulation, and energy metabolism.
Bifidobacterium
A genus of beneficial bacteria that dominates the infant gut and remains important throughout life. Various species (B. longum, B. infantis, B. breve) are among the most studied probiotics, with evidence for IBS, immunity, and infant health.