Gut Microbiota Reference Values for a Southern European Population

Chiara Pollicardo's dataset provides reference values for the human gut microbiome derived from 250 fecal samples analyzed using a CE-certified 16S rRNA bacterial profiling assay. The data, last updated in 2026, establishes a baseline for a Southern European population characterized by a Mediterranean diet. It represents a step towards standardized clinical interpretation of microbiota imbalances.

Use Cases

• Establish clinical reference ranges for gut microbiome composition based on a certified in-vitro diagnostic workflow.
• Assess patient microbiota deviations from a healthy baseline, as suggested by the fecal microbiota transplantation validation.
• Monitor the restoration of microbial equilibrium post-intervention based on the convergence toward reference ranges described.
• Compare gut microbiome profiles across different populations or dietary patterns, given the focus on a Mediterranean diet cohort.

Strengths

• Data derived from 250 fecal samples analyzed with a standardized, CE-certified assay.
• Focus on a specific Southern European population allows for geographically relevant reference values.
• Validation performed against data from a fecal microbiota transplantation clinical study.

Limitations

• The sample size of 250 is described as limited, precluding accurate assessment of rare taxa (<0.1% relative abundance).
• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic and dietary bias inherent to the specific Southern European cohort studied.

Provenance

Source

Chiara Pollicardo via figshare

Collection Method

250 fecal samples analyzed using a CE-certified 16S rRNA bacterial profiling assay; sequences aligned against the RDP database.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-05-12 05:42:32

Geography

Southern European population