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Structural changes in gut microbiome after Ramadan fasting: a pilot study
C Ozkul1, M Yalinay2, T Karakan3
1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Sihhiye, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
Beneficial Microbes
|February 20, 2020
Summary
Ramadan fasting, a form of intermittent fasting, significantly alters gut microbiota composition and diversity. This pilot study observed increased microbial richness and specific bacterial genus enrichment after 29 days of fasting.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Dietary habits profoundly influence gut microbial composition and diversity.
- Ramadan fasting is a form of time-restricted feeding with potential impacts on the gut microbiome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on gut microbial composition and diversity.
- To identify specific bacterial taxa affected by this intermittent fasting regimen.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 9 adult subjects undergoing 29 days of Ramadan fasting.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples collected pre- and post-fasting.
- Analysis of microbial community structure and diversity using QIIME and LEfSe.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in microbial richness (observed OTUs) post-Ramadan fasting (P=0.016).
- Significant alterations in microbial community structure (unweighted UniFrac, P=0.025).
- Enrichment of genera including Butyricicoccus, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium; Butyricicoccus pullicaecorum identified as most affected species.
Conclusions:
- Ramadan fasting, as an intermittent fasting model, induces significant changes in gut microbiota composition.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings and explore clinical implications.
