Time-restricted feeding is associated with changes in human gut microbiota related to nutrient intake

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a dietary therapeutic remedy for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. Gut microbiota may influence the host metabolism and nutritional status of individuals. Given the significance of TRF and gut microbiota in metabolic diseases, the aim of this study was to explore the association between TRF and gut microbiota in healthy individuals, which is not clearly elucidated.

Thirty healthy men (18-30 y of age) were divided in to two groups (TRF: n = 15 and non-TRF: n = 15). The TRF group was instructed to not consume any food for 16 h/d. Two-day food diary was used for dietary data collection. Stool samples were collected from both groups after 25 d of TRF or non-TRF. Gut microbiota profile was analyzed and quantified by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Cluster analysis revealed that Prevotlla_9, Faecalibacterium, and Dialister were the most abundant species in TRF, whereas Prevotell_7, Alloprevotella, and Prevotella_2 were less abundant in the non-TRF group. At the genus level, gut microbiota of the TRF group was significantly changed compared with that of the non-TRF group. Moreover, bar plot analysis revealed that Bacteroidetes was the most abundant phylum in TRF group, followed by Firmicutes. Heat map correlation showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D were positively correlated with Firmicutes, whereas iodine, vitamin E, magnesium, and carbohydrate intake were negative correlated with microbial richness.

The present study demonstrated that TRF is associated with microbial composition and relative abundance. TRF intervention might increase microbial abundance, thereby influencing the host metabolism and nutritional status.