u/grudginglyadmitted explains the human microbiome

https://www.reddit.com/r/FacebookScience/s/eexzMVTXQx

created by BarberAnxious7541 on 16/01/2025 at 03:03 UTC

97 upvotes, 2 top-level comments (showing 2)

Comments

Comment by Yawehg at 16/01/2025 at 04:46 UTC*

89 upvotes, 2 direct replies

For every one cell in your body that’s yours (contains your DNA) there are somewhere between one and ten that are not—mostly bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and archaea.

Half of the weight of your body is your microbiome—not your own cells.

Your microbiome is really important, and there are more cells by number than body cells, but it isn't even CLOSE to half your bodyweight. It's less than 1%, this paper estimates 0.2kg total.

OP recommends skepticism about microbiotic claims, and a good example of where that skepticism is helpful is on the comment itself. Glad more people are excited to learn about microbiome though.

Comment by rainman_95 at 16/01/2025 at 05:22 UTC

26 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Yeah he was immediately called out with corrections by three comments with links. Not a great look for depth hub.