Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.2
4.8
Journals
Nutrients
Special Issues
Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy
nutrients-logo
Submit to Nutrients Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

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: closed (5 March 2025) | Viewed by 18291

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Wendy Henderson

E-Mail Website
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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

20 pages, 3416 KiB  
Article
Host Transcriptome and Microbial Variation in Relation to Visceral Hyperalgesia
by Christopher J. Costa, Stephanie Prescott, Nicolaas H. Fourie, Sarah K. Abey, LeeAnne B. Sherwin, Bridgett Rahim-Williams, Paule V. Joseph, Hugo Posada-Quintero, Rebecca K. Hoffman and Wendy A. Henderson
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050921 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 703
Abstract
Background: Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is associated with an overstressed pain response to noxious stimuli (hyperalgesia). Microbiota are active modulators of host biology and are implicated in the etiology of visceral hypersensitivity. Objectives: we studied the association between the circulating mRNA transcriptome, the intensity [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is associated with an overstressed pain response to noxious stimuli (hyperalgesia). Microbiota are active modulators of host biology and are implicated in the etiology of visceral hypersensitivity. Objectives: we studied the association between the circulating mRNA transcriptome, the intensity of induced visceral pain (IVP), and variation in the oral microbiome among participants with and without baseline visceral hypersensitivity. Methods: Transcriptomic profiles and microbial abundance were correlated with IVP intensity. Host mRNA and microbes associated with IVP were explored, linking variation in the microbiome to host RNA biology. Results: 259 OTUs were found to be associated with IVP through correlation to differential expression of 471 genes in molecular pathways related to inflammation and neural mechanisms, including Rho and PI3K/AKT pathways. The bacterial families Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Veillonellaceae showed the highest degree of association. Oral microbial profiles with reduced diversity were characteristic of participants with visceral hypersensitivity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the oral microbiome may be involved in systemic immune and inflammatory effects and play a role in nervous system and stem cell pathways. The interactions between visceral hypersensitivity, differentially expressed molecular pathways, and microbiota described here provide a framework for further work exploring the relationship between host and microbiome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2184 KiB  
Article
Psychobiotic Protection of Nutritional Supplements and Probiotics in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Trial
by Eric Climent, Francisco Hevilla, Marina Padial, Guillermina Barril-Cuadrado, María Blanca, Tamara Jiménez-Salcedo, Maria López-Picasso, Ángel Nogueira-Pérez and Gabriel Olveira
Nutrients 2025, 17(4), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17040652 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms is remarkably high in malnourished individuals undergoing hemodialysis. The goal of this project was to evaluate the impact of administering an oral nutritional supplement combined with a probiotic blend on the microbiota, intestinal permeability, and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms is remarkably high in malnourished individuals undergoing hemodialysis. The goal of this project was to evaluate the impact of administering an oral nutritional supplement combined with a probiotic blend on the microbiota, intestinal permeability, and depression symptoms in malnourished hemodialysis patients. Methods: With this aim, a randomized trial was conducted with three parallel groups: a control group with individualized diet, a supplement–placebo (SU-PL) group with oral nutritional supplementation (ONS), and a supplement–probiotic (SU-PR) group with ONS in conjunction with a probiotic blend. Blood and fecal samples were collected at basal time, and at 3 and 6 months. Several blood biomarkers, like zonulin, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were measured, and the fecal microbiome was sequenced with the Illumina platform. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used for the estimation of depression (HADS-D) and anxiety (HADS-A) symptoms, along with the standardized mental health index SF12-MH from the general health questionnaire SF-12. Results: The results showed that patients who consumed the probiotic blend maintained the LPS levels from their baseline readings and decreased their BDNF levels compared to the SU-PL or control groups. Moreover, a significant decrease in HADS-D scores (less depressive symptoms) and an increase in SF12-MH scores (higher quality of life) were found in that group in comparison to the other groups. The intervention produced an impact on the microbiome population, where the SU-PR group had reduced Akkermansia abundance with respect to the other groups, while their Acidaminococcus abundance decreased and their Barnesiella abundance increased with respect to the SU-PL group. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that the probiotic with the nutritional supplement could reduce the intestinal permeability biomarkers and improve depressive symptoms and quality of life in malnourished hemodialysis patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: A Novel Nutritional Therapy)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

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
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2700
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

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
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5906
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

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 12 | Viewed by 7099
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)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop