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The Role of Microbiota in Nutrition and Diet: An Ever-Evolving Relationship

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Prebiotics and Probiotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 15208

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: gut microbiota; proteomics; metabolomics; cardiovascular diseases; nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between microbiota, diet, and nutrition is crucial for human health. The intestinal microbiota, composed of billions of microorganisms, plays a fundamental role in digestion, the immune system, and nutrient synthesis. Diet significantly influences the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. Consuming foods rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and probiotics promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, while a diet high in saturated fats and sugars can imbalance the microbiota, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.

The microbiota also influences the absorption of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, directly impacting an individual's nutritional status. For example, certain gut bacteria participate in the production of vitamins B and K, essential for various bodily functions. In turn, nutrition affects the health of the microbiota, as a balanced and varied diet provides the necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy microbial ecosystem.

This symbiotic relationship between microbiota, diet, and nutrition underscores the importance of adopting healthy eating habits to favor bacterial diversity and promote balance within the body, thereby contributing to disease prevention and optimal health maintenance.

Dr. Luís Collado-Yurrita
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • microbiota
  • diet
  • nutrition
  • allergy
  • irritable colon
  • oral biofilm
  • butyrate
  • probiotics

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 484 KiB  
Article
Is the Mediterranean Low Fodmap Diet Effective in Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Gut Microbiota? An Innovative Research Protocol
by Arezina N. Kasti, Konstantinos Katsas, Konstantinos Petsis, Sophia Lambrinou, Kalliopi D. Synodinou, Aliki Kapetani, Kerry Louise Smart, Maroulla D. Nikolaki, Panagiotis Halvatsiotis, Konstantinos Triantafyllou and Jane G. Muir
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111592 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 1893
Abstract
Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be effectively managed with the low FODMAP diet. However, its efficacy in reducing inflammation is not yet proven. On the contrary, the Mediterranean diet has anti-inflammatory properties with proven efficacy in treating chronic low-grade inflammation-related diseases. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be effectively managed with the low FODMAP diet. However, its efficacy in reducing inflammation is not yet proven. On the contrary, the Mediterranean diet has anti-inflammatory properties with proven efficacy in treating chronic low-grade inflammation-related diseases. Aim: To publicly share our protocol evaluating the efficacy of the Mediterranean low-FODMAP (MED-LFD) versus NICE recommendations (British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) diet in managing IBS symptoms and quality of life. Materials and Methods: Participants meeting the Rome IV criteria will be randomly assigned to MED-LFD or NICE recommendations and they will be followed for six months. Efficacy, symptom relief, quality of life and mental health will be assessed using validated questionnaires. In addition, fecal samples will be analyzed to assess gut microbiota, and to measure branched and short-chain fatty acids, and volatile organic compounds (metabolic byproducts from bacteria). Expected results and discussion: By publicly sharing this clinical study protocol, we aim to improve research quality in the field of IBS management by allowing for peer review feedback, preventing data manipulation, reducing redundant research efforts, mitigating publication bias, and empowering patient decision-making. We expect that this protocol will show that MED-LFD can effectively alleviate IBS symptoms and it will provide pathophysiology insights on its efficacy. The new dietary pattern that combines the LFD and the MED approaches allows for the observation of the synergistic action of both diets, with the MED’s anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties enhancing the effects of the LFD while minimizing its limitations. Identifier in Clinical Trials: NCT03997708 Full article
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21 pages, 8970 KiB  
Article
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Alleviates Acute Injury in Hypoxic Mice
by Ke Song, Hui Ling, Linlin Wang, Peijun Tian, Xing Jin, Jianxin Zhao, Wei Chen, Gang Wang and Yujing Bi
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101465 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 1920
Abstract
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common ailment in high-altitude areas caused by the body’s inadequate adaptation to low-pressure, low-oxygen environments, leading to organ edema, oxidative stress, and impaired intestinal barrier function. The gastrointestinal tract, being the first to be affected by ischemia [...] Read more.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common ailment in high-altitude areas caused by the body’s inadequate adaptation to low-pressure, low-oxygen environments, leading to organ edema, oxidative stress, and impaired intestinal barrier function. The gastrointestinal tract, being the first to be affected by ischemia and hypoxia, is highly susceptible to injury. This study investigates the role of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in alleviating acute hypoxic-induced intestinal and tissue damage from the perspective of daily consumed lactic acid bacteria. An acute hypoxia mouse model was established to evaluate tissue injury, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and intestinal barrier function in various groups of mice. The results indicate that strain 4L3 significantly mitigated brain and lung edema caused by hypoxia, improved colonic tissue damage, and effectively increased the content of tight junction proteins in the ileum, reducing ileal permeability and alleviating mechanical barrier damage in the intestines due to acute hypoxia. Additionally, 4L3 helped to rebalance the intestinal microbiota. In summary, this study found that Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strain 4L3 could alleviate acute intestinal damage caused by hypoxia, thereby reducing hypoxic stress. This suggests that probiotic lactic acid bacteria that exert beneficial effects in the intestines may alleviate acute injury under hypoxic conditions in mice, offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of AMS. Full article
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15 pages, 2819 KiB  
Article
Effects of Gluten on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders, Migraine, and Dermatitis
by Ismael San Mauro Martín, Sara López Oliva, Elena Garicano Vilar, Guerthy Melissa Sánchez Niño, Bruno F. Penadés, Ana Terrén Lora, Sara Sanz Rojo and Luis Collado Yurrita
Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081228 - 20 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2243
Abstract
As gluten may trigger gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs), its presence or absence in the diet can change the diversity and proportion of gut microbiota. The effects of gluten after six weeks of a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with a gluten-free diet (GFD) were studied in [...] Read more.
As gluten may trigger gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs), its presence or absence in the diet can change the diversity and proportion of gut microbiota. The effects of gluten after six weeks of a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with a gluten-free diet (GFD) were studied in participants with GIDs suffering from migraines and atopic dermatitis (n = 46). Clinical biomarkers, digestive symptoms, stool, the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire, and zonulin levels were analyzed. Next-generation sequencing was used to amplify the 16S rRNA gene of bacteria and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of fungi. The GFD increased Chao1 fungal diversity after the intervention, while the fungal composition showed no changes. Bacterial diversity and composition remained stable, but a positive association between bacterial and fungal Chao1 diversity and a negative association between Dothideomycetes and Akkermansia were observed. GIDs decreased in both groups and migraines improved in the placebo group. Our findings may aid the development of GID treatment strategies. Full article
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17 pages, 5274 KiB  
Article
A Free Amino Acid Diet Alleviates Colorectal Tumorigenesis through Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites
by Yang-Meng Yu, Gui-Fang Li, Yi-Lin Ren, Xin-Yi Xu, Zheng-Hong Xu, Yan Geng and Yong Mao
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071040 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1798
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a major global health concern, may be influenced by dietary protein digestibility impacting gut microbiota and metabolites, which is crucial for cancer therapy effectiveness. This study explored the effects of a casein protein diet (CTL) versus a free amino acid [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC), a major global health concern, may be influenced by dietary protein digestibility impacting gut microbiota and metabolites, which is crucial for cancer therapy effectiveness. This study explored the effects of a casein protein diet (CTL) versus a free amino acid (FAA)-based diet on CRC progression, gut microbiota, and metabolites using carcinogen-induced (AOM/DSS) and spontaneous genetically induced (ApcMin/+ mice) CRC mouse models. Comprehensive approaches including 16s rRNA gene sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and immunohistochemistry were utilized. We found that the FAA significantly attenuated CRC progression, evidenced by reduced colonic shortening and histopathological alterations compared to the CTL diet. Notably, the FAA enriched beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia and Bacteroides and reversed CRC-associated dysbiosis. Metabolomic analysis highlighted an increase in ornithine cycle metabolites and specific fatty acids, such as Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), in FAA-fed mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that FAA up-regulated Egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 3 (Egln 3) and downregulated several cancer-associated pathways including Hippo, mTOR, and Wnt signaling. Additionally, DPA was found to significantly induce EGLN 3 expression in CRC cell lines. These results suggest that FAA modulate gut microbial composition, enhance protective metabolites, improve gut barrier functions, and inhibit carcinogenic pathways. Full article
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Review

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22 pages, 1735 KiB  
Review
The Role of Gut Microbiome in Sleep Quality and Health: Dietary Strategies for Microbiota Support
by Monika Sejbuk, Adam Siebieszuk and Anna Maria Witkowska
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142259 - 13 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6811
Abstract
Dietary components, including dietary fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols, along with meal timing and spacing, significantly affect the microbiota’s capacity to produce various metabolites essential for quality sleep and overall health. This review explores the role of gut microbiota in regulating sleep [...] Read more.
Dietary components, including dietary fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols, along with meal timing and spacing, significantly affect the microbiota’s capacity to produce various metabolites essential for quality sleep and overall health. This review explores the role of gut microbiota in regulating sleep through various metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. A balanced diet rich in plant-based foods enhances the production of these sleep-regulating metabolites, potentially benefiting overall health. This review aims to investigate how dietary habits affect gut microbiota composition, the metabolites it produces, and the subsequent impact on sleep quality and related health conditions. Full article
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