Project funded by the Italian Science Fund (FIS 2)

DOGMA – Dietary Microbes, Fermented Foods and Human Health

DOGMA is a research project investigating how high-diversity fermented foods can modulate the gut microbiome and contribute to metabolic and intestinal health in Western populations.

Why DOGMA Matters

In modern societies, traditional fermentation practices have been progressively replaced by industrial processes, reducing the microbial diversity of fermented foods.
At the same time, Western populations are experiencing a decline in gut microbiome diversity, which has been associated with an increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.

DOGMA explores the connection between dietary microbes, fermented foods, and human health through an integrated scientific approach.

An Integrated Research Approach

Fermented Foods
Study of traditional fermented foods with high microbial diversity.
Gut Microbiome
Analysis of microbial diversity and function in human gut ecosystems.
Microbial Functions
Identification of microbial strains and metabolites relevant to human health.

The Research Team

DOGMA brings together researchers with expertise in microbiology, nutrition, metagenomics and clinical research.

Dissemination

DOGMA actively disseminates research activities and results through scientific publications, events, and public communication.
News
Updates on project activities, events and fieldwork.
Publications
Scientific papers, abstracts and research outputs.

From Microbes to Human Health

DOGMA integrates field sampling, advanced laboratory models and a human clinical trial to investigate how high-diversity fermented foods can modulate the gut microbiome and support metabolic health.

WP1Metagenomics

Human gut and fermented food metagenomic analysis to map microbial diversity and potential strain transfer.

WP2In vitro Models

Simulation of gut microbiota using mSHIME gastrointestinal models to evaluate functional modulation.

WP3Clinical Trial

Dietary intervention in individuals with metabolic syndrome to assess microbiome and health biomarkers.

Latest News & Updates

The project DOGMA - Bridging food and gut microbiome: exploring the role of food microbes in the modulation of the gut microbiome and in the improvement of human health (CUP E53C24003720001, FIS-2023-00241) received funding by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) within the call” Fondo Italiano per la Scienza” (D.M. n. 23179 del 10/12/2024)