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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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Bioactive compounds from regular diet and faecal microbial metabolites
Tania Fernández-Navarro1,2, Nuria Salazar2, Isabel Gutiérrez-Díaz1,2
1Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
European Journal of Nutrition
|October 17, 2016
Summary
Dietary phenolic compounds, like lignans and anthocyanidins from foods such as strawberries, may modulate gut microbiota and influence short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Nutritional science
- Gut health
Background:
- Intestinal bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), influenced by diet.
- Dietary fiber is a known regulator, but phenolic compounds in fiber-rich foods also impact the gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that regular intake of bioactive phenolic compounds modulates fecal SCFA production by the intestinal microbiota.
- To explore the association between specific food components and SCFA profiles.
Main Methods:
- Food intake data collected using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire.
- Dietary fiber analyzed using Marlett food composition tables; phenolic compounds from Phenol-Explorer Database.
- Fecal SCFA analyzed via gas chromatography-flame ionization/mass spectrometry; microbial populations quantified by quantitative PCR.
Main Results:
- Klason lignin and lignans were associated with fecal butyrate production and specific bacterial groups (Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium).
- Anthocyanidins from strawberries correlated with fecal propionate and inversely with the Lactobacillus group.
Conclusions:
- Results support the association between certain foods (strawberries, pasta, lentils, lettuce, olive oil) and fecal SCFA levels.
- Further research is needed to confirm if bacterial modulation by bioactive compounds mediates these associations.
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