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An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota

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Mediterranean diet and faecal microbiota: a transversal study.

I Gutiérrez-Díaz¹, T Fernández-Navarro, B Sánchez

¹Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n Oviedo, 33006 Asturias, Spain. soniagsolares@uniovi.es.

Food & Function

|May 4, 2016

Summary

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) positively influences gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial Bacteroidetes and reducing Firmicutes. Higher adherence also correlates with increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like propionate and butyrate.

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Nutrition Science
Human Health

Background:

The global Mediterranean Diet's (MD) impact on gut microbiota remains understudied, despite known effects of individual components like olive oil and red wine.
Existing research often focuses on specific dietary elements rather than the overall dietary pattern's effect on the intestinal microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and its components with the faecal microbiota in healthy adults.
To explore the relationship between the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the abundance of specific microbial groups and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Main Methods:

A cross-sectional study involving 31 adults without pre-existing pathologies.
Calculation of a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) based on food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and literature data.
Analysis of faecal microbiota using Ion Torrent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantification of SCFAs via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS).

Main Results:

Higher adherence to the MD (MDS) was associated with increased abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotellacea, and Prevotella.
A higher MDS correlated with a decreased concentration of Firmicutes and Lachnospiraceae.
Individuals with an MDS of 4 or higher exhibited elevated concentrations of faecal propionate and butyrate.

Conclusions:

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) significantly modulates the composition of the human gut microbiota.
Increased MD adherence promotes a gut microbial profile associated with higher SCFA production, indicating potential health benefits.
These findings highlight the intricate relationship between overall dietary patterns and the gut microbiome.