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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
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Review article: dietary fibre-microbiota interactions
1Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|May 27, 2015
Summary
Dietary fiber significantly shapes gut microbiota composition and function. High-fiber diets promote beneficial microbes and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while low-fiber diets can increase disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Modern DNA sequencing reveals diet's critical role in gut microbiome composition and activity.
- Dietary fiber, particularly plant-based, influences microbiome metabolism and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, vital for gut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate evidence on how dietary fiber intake alterations impact the microbiome and metabolome.
- Assessing both long-term and short-term effects of dietary fiber on gut health.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a Medline literature search.
- Keywords included 'intestinal microbiota,' 'nutrition,' 'diet,' 'dietary fibre,' 'SCFAs,' and 'prebiotic effect.'
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms fiber's influence on microbiome and metabolome composition.
- Both habitual diet and short-term/long-term interventions (in animals and humans) show these effects.
Conclusions:
- High-fiber, plant-based diets increase microbial diversity (Prevotella over Bacteroides).
- Western diets (low fiber, high fat/sugar) reduce beneficial Firmicutes and increase Proteobacteria.
- Specific diets (e.g., high-protein, low-fiber) alter microbial balance, potentially increasing colonic disease risk.
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