Exploring the Microbiota and Health Relationship

IMMEDIATE is a European research project that explores the crucial relationship between diet, gut microbiota, immune function and overall health. Its core aim is to gain an in-depth understanding of how chronic inflammation develops — a key underlying factor in many diseases — in order to support more effective prevention strategies.

Particular attention is given to the gut microbiota. This community of microorganisms acts as a crucial mediator between diet and the human body, helping to regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. IMMEDIATE seeks to advance knowledge of these mechanisms and to understand how they can be steered towards maintaining and improving health.

One of the project’s main goals is to identify molecular markers capable of signalling when the body is shifting towards a disease state, even before symptoms become apparent or significant organ damage occurs. The project also investigates why some individuals show greater resistance to disease than others.

IMMEDIATE is also developing digital tools to monitor lifestyle factors and provide evidence-based guidance, with the ultimate aim of enabling citizens to take a more active and informed role in managing their own health.