Professor Angelo Tremblay obtained his PhD in Physiology in Laval University, Quebec City, and is currently a professor in the Department of Kinesiology in this university. His investigations are mostly oriented towards the study of factors influencing energy balance in humans with the intent to improve obesity management. Recently, his research has been focused on the study of non-traditional determinants of obesity such as short sleep duration, low calcium/dairy intake, insufficient vitamin intake, suboptimal feeding behaviors, demanding cognitive effort and persistent organic pollutants. He is holder of the Canada Research Chair in Environment and Energy Balance.
The food we consume plays an essential role in the diversity and balance of our gut microbiota. In fact, newly published data suggest that diet and lifestyle may outweigh the genetic background in shaping the gut microbiome. With gut microbiota being a hot topic in the media and scientific community, it is important to establish clarity on the relationship between nutrition and gut health, as well as correct any misinformation. The symposium will document basic principles in the study of the gut microbiota and recent developments pertaining to the use of pre- and probiotics. The concept of the host-microbe interactions in modulating peripheral and central mechanisms of diseases will be considered with the preoccupations to derive novel clinical applications. The gut microbiome’s response to different food types will also be discussed. Finally, the importance of both animal- and plant-based foods for gut health will be explored, with insights on how the microbiota is modulated by fermented foods, proteins, fatty acids, and different diet types.