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Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Gut Microbiome-Lung Tissue Communication Through Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis
Published on: June 21, 2024
Red and processed meat consumption within two different dietary patterns: Effect on the colon microbial community and
Els Vossen1, Sophie Goethals1, Jo De Vrieze2
1Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Pigs were fed either red and processed meat or chicken meat within either a prudent or a Western dietary pattern for four weeks (2 × 2 full factorial design). The colon microbial community and volatile organic compounds were assessed (either quantified or based on their presence). Results show that Lactobacilli were characteristic for the chicken × prudent dietary pattern treatment and Paraprevotella for the red and processed meat × prudent dietary pattern treatment. Enterobacteriaceae and Desulfovibrio were characteristic for the chicken × Western dietary pattern treatment and Butyrivibrio for the red and processed meat × Western dietary pattern treatment. Campylobacter was characteristic for chicken consumption and Clostridium XIVa for red and processed meat, irrespective of the dietary pattern. Ethyl valerate and 1-methylthio-propane were observed more frequently in pigs fed red and processed meat compared to chicken meat. The prevalence of 3-methylbutanal was >80% for pigs receiving a Western dietary pattern, whereas for pigs fed a prudent dietary pattern the prevalence was <35%. The concentration of butanoic acid was significantly higher when the prudent dietary pattern was given, compared to the Western dietary pattern, but no differences for other short chain fatty acids or protein fermentation products were observed.

