Può i microbi delle piante trasferirsi agli esseri umani? Nuovi approfondimenti sul microbioma delle piante e la salute umana


It scientific research is rapidly expanding its understanding of how the plant microbiome interacts with human health, including questions around plant microbiome transfer to humans. While many microbes living on edible plants do not permanently colonize the human gut, they can enter our bodies through food and inhalation and may subtly shape gut ecology and immune responses. The latest studies are mapping which plant-associated microbes survive digestion, how they interact with resident gut communities, and which plant-derived microbial metabolites may influence inflammation, metabolism, and immunity. In this sense, the plant microbiome shapes health, safety, and immunity not only through nutrients but also through the microbial signals carried by plant foods. From a safety and health perspective, plant-associated microbes can play dual roles: some support immune training and barrier function, while others require careful handling or cooking to minimize risk. The plant microbiome contributes to food safety and quality by influencing how microbes interact with food matrices during washing, processing, and storage. Researchers are increasingly classifying plant-associated microbial functions into positive and negative categories, helping to interpret how exposure to plant microbes may modulate immune responses and disease risk. The emerging picture suggests that effects hinge on dose, context, and host biology, rather than a simple one-to-one transfer of microbes to humans. InnerBuddies sits at the intersection of science and practical application. As a white-label Gut Health Operating System, it provides a modular platform for companies to power their own gut microbiome testing products and translate complex plant-microbe interactions into actionable consumer insights. The platform includes a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0–100) developed under an exclusive IP deal with EAFIT University in Colombia, plus Bacteria Abundances for a top 40 core set so users can compare themselves against a healthy cohort. It also catalogs Bacteria Functions into positive and negative categories, showing how each function aligns with healthy or at-risk microbial pathways. For targeted groups—Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, Skin & Hair Health, and more—the Target Group Analysis dives into the functional pathways most relevant to those populations. And with Personalized Nutrition Advice that links three-day food diaries to stool data, InnerBuddies helps tailor dietary guidance to each person’s unique gut microbiome profile, including how plant-based foods influence microbial dynamics and potential transfer-related considerations. InnerBuddies also makes it easy to reach consumers directly. Our solutions are available as consumer-facing gut health tests and as a flexible B2B platform; both the product and subscription options exist to suit different needs. Learn more about how this works on the InnerBuddies microbiome test page, or dive into ongoing insights with the Gut Health Membership. If you’re a business seeking to power your own gut health products under your brand, explore partnership options on our B2B page. InnerBuddies microbiome testInnerBuddies Gut Health MembershipInnerBuddies Become a Partner