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Micronutrient supplementation influences the composition and diet-originating function of the gut microbiome in
Shona Mckirdy1, Athanasios Koutsos1, Ben Nichols1
1Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Background & Aims:
Studies in-vitro and in animals propose that vitamins and minerals can alter the human gut microbiome. Human trials replicating these findings are scarce or used micronutrient supplementation in supraphysiological doses. We explored the effect of multivitamin/multimineral (MVMM) supplementation on the gut microbiome, and how participant's background diet can modify this effect.
Methods:
In a randomised, controlled, cross-over study, 28 healthy adults (68 % female, mean [SD], 33 [13] years]) received either a MVMM supplement containing dosages close to the UK dietary recommendations for 23 micronutrients (intervention period) or no supplement (control period), for 10-days, separated by a 15-day washout period. Participants' diet was recorded and replicated between the two periods. Faecal microbiota composition was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing, metabolome with 1H NMR, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with gas chromatography, and sulphide concentration with colorimetry. Associations between background diet and microbiome responses during MVMM supplementation were explored using machine learning.
Results:
Following MVMM supplementation, the absolute abundance of Lachnoclostridium and UCG_005 taxa were lower, while the concentrations of total SCFAs, specifically propionate and butyrate, and total sulphide were higher than the control period. Compared to baseline, MVMM supplementation decreased the absolute abundance of Desulfobacterota, Actinobacteriota, Bifidobacteriaceae, Erysipelatoclostridiaceae and Veillonellaceae, and increased the concentration of propionate. Background dietary intakes of saturated fat and total carbohydrates related with the MVMM-induced effect of decreasing Desulfobacterota. Likewise, the intakes of vitamins B2, B12, and E, along with iron, related with the effect of MVMM on decreasing Erysipelatoclostridiaceae. No changes were observed within the control period.
Conclusion:
In healthy adults, short-term MVMM supplementation influences the gut microbiota composition and diet-originating microbial metabolites and potentially host health.
Registration:
This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05371704.
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