Inflammation and immune activity cost energy

The gut is a highly complex ecosystem in which commensals and pathogens live in dynamic antagonistic interactions competing for the same niches and substrates. Any alterations in these relationships may lead to inflammatory reactions, gastrointestinal or systemic infections – in any event, to energy-consuming imbalances. The intestinal tract is the largest immune organ with the most extensive contact surface between the environment and body. It comprises cells of the immune system as well as