Abstract
The human microbiome comprises a diverse community of microorganisms residing in and on the human body, and it plays a central role in maintaining health and contributing to disease. This review synthesizes current global and regional research, with a particular focus on microbiome characteristics in Saudi Arabia. It addresses the microbiome's established roles in digestion, immunomodulation, metabolic regulation, and mental health through the gut-brain axis.
Factors such as diet, geography, ethnicity, and environment significantly shape the microbiome. The Saudi population, due to unique cultural and environmental influences, exhibits microbial profiles that differ from those reported in Western cohorts. However, studies on the Saudi microbiome remain limited, and understanding these differences is essential for developing region-specific healthcare interventions.
Microbiome imbalances—known as dysbiosis—are linked to non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular conditions, all of which have demonstrated increasing prevalence in Saudi Arabia. The review underscores the importance of investigating these associations within the local context.
This review strongly recommends creating a national microbiome database to enhance research, diagnostics, and personalized medicine. By addressing current knowledge gaps, we can develop better therapeutic strategies and gain a deeper understanding of the microbiome's role in public health in Saudi Arabia.
First Page
72
Last Page
78
Recommended Citation
Abujamel, Turki S.
(2026)
"Microbiome and Health: Exploring Saudi Arabia's Microbial Identity,"
Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences: Vol. 33:
Iss.
1, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64064/1658-4279.1038
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
