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Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 March 2025 | Viewed by 10318

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217, USA
Interests: genomics; hepatology; gastroenterology; nutrition; pediatrics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The microbial population residing within the human gut represents one of the most densely populated microbial niches in the human body. Far from confined to the recesses of the alimentary tract, our gut microbiota engages in complex and bi-directional communication with the host, which has far-reaching implications for overall health and normal physiological functioning. Amongst such communication streams, the microbiota–gut–brain axis predominates.

It is diet and nutritional status that has repeatedly been shown to be one of the most critical modifiable factors regulating the gut microbiota at different time points across the lifespan and under various health conditions, thereby becoming the subject of intensive research related to cognitive, behavioral, and neurodegenerative disorders. Future guidelines on lifestyle strategies for well-being may integrate recommendations on the optimal establishment and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiota through dietary and other means. Although we are what we ingest, perhaps more importantly, we are what our gut microbiota thrive on, and they thrive on what we ingest. We invite all interested researchers to submit review articles or original papers related to this topic.

Prof. Dr. Wendy Henderson
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • diet
  • gut microbiota
  • gut–brain axis
  • neurological disorders
  • functional foods

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

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21 pages, 1130 KiB  
Review
Gut Microbiome Modulation of Glutamate Dynamics: Implications for Brain Health and Neurotoxicity
by Benjamin F. Gruenbaum, Kiran S. Merchant, Alexander Zlotnik and Matthew Boyko
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4405; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244405 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 328
Abstract
The gut–brain axis plays an integral role in maintaining overall health, with growing evidence suggesting its impact on the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota and glutamate (Glu) regulation, highlighting its effect on [...] Read more.
The gut–brain axis plays an integral role in maintaining overall health, with growing evidence suggesting its impact on the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota and glutamate (Glu) regulation, highlighting its effect on brain health, particularly in the context of depression following certain neurological insults. We discuss how microbial populations can either facilitate or limit Glu uptake, influencing its bioavailability and predisposing to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Additionally, we examine the role of gut metabolites and their influence on the blood–brain barrier and neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation. The therapeutic potential of microbiome-targeted interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, is also highlighted. While much research has explored the role of Glu in major depressive disorders and other neurological diseases, the contribution of gut microbiota in post-neurological depression remains underexplored. Future research should focus on explaining the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to neuropsychiatric outcomes, particularly in conditions such as post-stroke depression, post-traumatic brain-injury depression, and epilepsy-associated depression. Systematic reviews and human clinical studies are needed to establish causal relationships and assess the efficacy of microbiome-targeted therapies in improving the neuropsychiatric sequalae after neurological insults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy)
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22 pages, 2838 KiB  
Review
Balancing the Oral–Gut–Brain Axis with Diet
by Rebecca Kerstens, Yong Zhi Ng, Sven Pettersson and Anusha Jayaraman
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3206; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183206 - 22 Sep 2024
Viewed by 4232
Abstract
Background: The oral microbiota is the second largest microbial community in humans. It contributes considerably to microbial diversity and health effects, much like the gut microbiota. Despite physical and chemical barriers separating the oral cavity from the gastrointestinal tract, bidirectional microbial transmission occurs [...] Read more.
Background: The oral microbiota is the second largest microbial community in humans. It contributes considerably to microbial diversity and health effects, much like the gut microbiota. Despite physical and chemical barriers separating the oral cavity from the gastrointestinal tract, bidirectional microbial transmission occurs between the two regions, influencing overall host health. Method: This review explores the intricate interplay of the oral–gut–brain axis, highlighting the pivotal role of the oral microbiota in systemic health and ageing, and how it can be influenced by diet. Results: Recent research suggests a relationship between oral diseases, such as periodontitis, and gastrointestinal problems, highlighting the broader significance of the oral–gut axis in systemic diseases, as well as the oral–gut–brain axis in neurological disorders and mental health. Diet influences microbial diversity in the oral cavity and the gut. While certain diets/dietary components improve both gut and oral health, others, such as fermentable carbohydrates, can promote oral pathogens while boosting gut health. Conclusions: Understanding these dynamics is key for promoting a healthy oral–gut–brain axis through dietary interventions that support microbial diversity and mitigate age-related health risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy)
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Other

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35 pages, 3266 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of Psychobiotics in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Cognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
by Freiser Eceomo Cruz Mosquera, Santiago Lizcano Martinez and Yamil Liscano
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091352 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5044
Abstract
In this study, a systematic review of randomized clinical trials conducted from January 2000 to December 2023 was performed to examine the efficacy of psychobiotics—probiotics beneficial to mental health via the gut–brain axis—in adults with psychiatric and cognitive disorders. Out of the 51 [...] Read more.
In this study, a systematic review of randomized clinical trials conducted from January 2000 to December 2023 was performed to examine the efficacy of psychobiotics—probiotics beneficial to mental health via the gut–brain axis—in adults with psychiatric and cognitive disorders. Out of the 51 studies involving 3353 patients where half received psychobiotics, there was a notably high measurement of effectiveness specifically in the treatment of depression symptoms. Most participants were older and female, with treatments commonly utilizing strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria over periods ranging from 4 to 24 weeks. Although there was a general agreement on the effectiveness of psychobiotics, the variability in treatment approaches and clinical presentations limits the comparability and generalization of the findings. This underscores the need for more personalized treatment optimization and a deeper investigation into the mechanisms through which psychobiotics act. The research corroborates the therapeutic potential of psychobiotics and represents progress in the management of psychiatric and cognitive disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy)
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