Comment on" Seasonal Cycling in the Gut Microbiome of the Hadza Hunter-Gatherers of Tanzania"

Stephanie L. Schnorr, Konrad Lorenze Institute for Evolution and Congition Research
Marco Candela, University of Bologna
Simone Rampelli, University of Bologna
Silvia Turroni, University of Bologna
Amanda G. Henry, Leiden University
Alyssa N. Crittenden, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Abstract

In a recent paper, Smits et al. (Science, 25 August 2017, p. 802) report on seasonal changes in the gut microbiome of Hadza hunter-gatherers. They argue that seasonal volatility of some bacterial taxa corresponds to seasonal dietary changes. We address the authors’ insufficient reporting of relevant data and problematic areas in their assumptions about Hadza diet that yield inconsistencies in their results and interpretations.