Sign In
International
Media release
From:
1. Microbiology: Investigating changes to the gut microbiome associated with diet
An intermittent-fasting and protein-pacing diet showed increased diversity in gut microbiota compared to a calorie-restricted, heart-healthy diet in a small trial, reports a study in Nature Communications. These insights could aid in our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolism, which may inform obesity management strategies.
The gut microbiome plays an important role in controlling body weight and composition, a role that can be affected by nutrient availability. Caloric restriction, intermittent fasting (limiting food consumption to certain windows on some days) and protein pacing (controlled protein intake at specific meals) are known to affect body weight and composition, but the effect of these dietary modifications on the gut microbiome is unclear.
Paul Arciero and colleagues compared the effects of two low-calorie dietary interventions: a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style continuous calorie-restricted diet (based on United States dietary recommendations) and a calorie-restricted regime incorporating intermittent fasting and protein pacing (IF-P). The trial was carried out with forty-one overweight or obese individuals over an eight-week period.
Individuals in the IF-P group showed a larger decrease in symptoms of lower-to-moderate gastrointestinal problems, a greater loss of visceral fat, and an increased diversity of microbiota compared to those in the caloric restriction group. In particular, IF-P led to an increase in certain gut microbes associated with a lean phenotype, and an increase in circulating cytokines linked to weight loss, and amino acid metabolites favouring fat oxidation.
The authors note that the research has limitations, including the eight-week duration and limited patient pool. However, these results provide an insight into the complex metabolic interactions between the gut microbiota and human diet. Further research is needed to break down the underlying mechanisms driving these associations and explore any potential therapeutic implications.
