Metabolism of the dietary lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside by human intestinal bacteria

The intestinal tract of humans harbours diverse and complex bacterial communities. However, the symbiotic to pathogenic relationships between host and bacteria, and the underlying influence of bacterial activities on host functions, are still largely unknown. Nutritional compounds are intrinsic elements of intestinal ecosystems and interact with both host and bacterial cells. To better understand the human intestinal ecosystem and its role in health maintenance, bacteriological studies applied to nutrition are essential. In this context, the present thesis focuses on the metabolism of dietary phytoestrogens by human intestinal microbiota.