New Delhi, March 28: The Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Science Foundation hosted the 16th Indian Probiotic Symposium on March 27-28, 2026, in New Delhi, focusing on “Gut Microbiome and Probiotics: Impact from Birth to Old Age.” Rajiv Gauba, a member of the NITI Aayog, emphasized the crucial role of the gut microbiome in immunity, metabolism, and preventive healthcare.
Gauba expressed concern over the rapid changes in dietary habits in India. He noted that urbanization, lifestyle changes, and the influence of social media and e-commerce platforms are driving the increased consumption of ultra-processed and refined foods. This shift is distancing people from traditional, nutrient-rich diets. He warned that these trends could have serious long-term consequences for gut health, with an estimated 56.4% of diseases in India attributed to poor or imbalanced diets. He cautioned that if these issues are not addressed, “microorganisms can produce widespread consequences.”
Placing gut health within the broader context of development, Gauba identified healthcare as a critical area for both personal well-being and economic growth. He stated that India’s demographic dividend can only be realized if the workforce is healthy and if timely preparations are made for an active and healthy aging population. He emphasized that investing in health is an investment in a developed India, citing initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, PM Jan Aushadhi Yojana, and Ayushman Arogya Mandir, which have significantly strengthened primary healthcare and financial security. He reported that out-of-pocket health expenditure dropped from 62.6% in FY 2015 to 39.4% in FY 2022, resulting in savings of over ₹1.25 lakh crore for families.
Additionally, Gauba acknowledged ongoing challenges related to access to healthcare services, equity, affordability, quality, patient safety, and the shortage of skilled health professionals. He stressed that access to healthcare is continually influenced by socio-economic factors. Urging health professionals to take an active role, he called for increased use of affordable generic medicines and greater adoption of digital health tools, telemedicine, data analytics, and AI to extend expert care to underserved communities and advocate for those lacking quality medical services.
Discussing the evolving field of probiotics, Gauba noted that microbiome science has progressed from descriptive studies to methodology and practical research. He highlighted emerging areas such as next-generation microbiome-based therapies, synthetic biology, and CRISPR-enabled probiotic strains, which target anti-inflammatory and metabolic functions to provide precise medical care.
However, he warned of the growing spread of misinformation and misleading advertisements in the probiotics and supplements market. He urged practitioners and researchers to leverage their credibility and media reach to disseminate accurate information, promote healthy dietary habits, and support preventive lifestyles, thereby reducing the need for expensive diagnoses and procedures.
Gauba stated that the country is uniquely positioned to lead the global probiotic movement by combining traditional knowledge with genomic and microbiome research to develop clinically validated probiotics. He underscored the extensive public health potential of probiotics in reducing the burden of infectious and chronic diseases, improving nutrition, and enhancing the population’s immunity. Strong collaboration among academia, industry, and regulators is essential to translate scientific advancements into safe, effective, and accessible products.
Appreciating the involvement of young researchers and innovators, Gauba encouraged them to adopt multidisciplinary and evidence-based approaches to tackle complex health challenges. He expressed confidence that this symposium would foster new collaborations and strengthen India’s leadership in microbiome and probiotic science.
–
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment