WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROBIOTA AND GUT FLORA?
The terms 'microbiota' and 'gut flora' are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Microbiota refers to the entire community of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa) in a specific environment, like the human body. In contrast, gut flora specifically denotes the bacteria living in our gastrointestinal tract. While gut flora is a significant component of the microbiota, the microbiota encompasses a broader range of microorganisms with varied roles in health.