AIHM-FIWH 131: Microbiome

With a focus on the microbiota, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, this module highlights actionable strategies to optimize digestive health and address a range of GI and systemic conditions.

Key Concepts Explored in This Module

The Gut Microbiota and Its Central Role in Health

  • The GI tract harbors a dynamic ecosystem of microorganisms that profoundly impact digestion, immunity, metabolism, and even mental health. This module discusses the complexities of the microbiota, emphasizing its role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
  • The connection between dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder is explored.

Probiotics: Beyond Digestion

  • Probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits, are a cornerstone of integrative GI medicine. This module reviews the most commonly used probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii) and their clinical applications, such as preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, managing IBS, and supporting mental health through the gut-brain axis.
  • Practical considerations for prescribing probiotics, including appropriate dosing, strain specificity, and enteric coating for gastric tolerance, are also discussed.

Prebiotics: Nourishing the Gut Ecosystem

  • Prebiotics (indigestible fibers that fuel beneficial gut bacteria) play a pivotal role in sustaining a healthy microbiota. Sources such as chicory root, garlic, bananas, and oats, as well as specialized prebiotics like human milk oligosaccharides, are examined.
  • The module also explores the unique benefits of prebiotic supplementation, including its ability to modulate gut bacteria in specific clinical scenarios, such as hepatic cirrhosis.

Synbiotics: A Holistic Strategy

  • Synbiotics, which combine probiotics and prebiotics, are introduced as a synergistic approach to enhancing gut health. By providing probiotics with a nourishing substrate, synbiotics improve the viability and efficacy of these beneficial organisms, offering integrative solutions for various GI and systemic conditions.

Clinical Applications and Emerging Evidence

  • This module provides a practical framework for utilizing microbiota-based interventions to prevent and treat conditions such as Clostridium difficile infections, traveler’s diarrhea, and colic in infants.

  • Emerging research on the gut-brain axis highlights how gut health influences mental and emotional well-being, supporting the integration of microbiota-focused therapies in mental health care.

Impacts on Epigenetics and Beyond

  • The module touches on cutting-edge findings, such as the role of short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate and propionate) in influencing gene expression and satiety, further demonstrating the systemic reach of gut health interventions.

Target Audience

Target Audience:

This activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers.

Learning Objectives

 

Learning Objectives:

When you complete this module, you will be able to:

  • Explain the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease.
  • Differentiate among prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, and identify their clinical applications.
  • Develop evidence-based strategies to support gut health using dietary, supplemental, and lifestyle interventions.
  • Describe the broader implications of gut health on systemic and mental well-being.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 3.25 AAPA Category 1 CME

    The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 3.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until November 10, 2027. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 3.25 ANCC
  • 3.25 AOA Category 2-B
  • 4.50 ASWB Credit
  • 3.25 HSC Participation
Course opens: 
11/10/2025
Course expires: 
11/10/2027
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0
Planner(s)

Rachel Abrams, MD, MHS, ABFP, ABOIM

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Bryan Hauf, MEd

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Speaker(s)

Robert Slater, MD, MPH

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Accreditation Statements

Jointly Accredited Provider Mark

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 4.5 general continuing education credits.

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 3.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until 06/16/2027. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. 

 

 

American Osteopathic Association

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to award continuing medical education to physicians. 

Designation Statements

Physicians

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth designates this program for a maximum of 3.25 contact hour of AOA Category 2B CME credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity. 

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth designates this activity for a maximum of 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Physician Assistants

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 3.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until 06/16/2027. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nurses

This activity provides up to 3.25 contact hours. 

Social Workers

Social workers completing this course receive 4.5 general continuing education credits. 

Certificate of Attendance

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth certifies this activity for 3.25 hours of participation.

Available Credit

  • 3.25 AAPA Category 1 CME

    The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 3.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until November 10, 2027. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 3.25 ANCC
  • 3.25 AOA Category 2-B
  • 4.50 ASWB Credit
  • 3.25 HSC Participation

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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