Causal Effects of Yogurt Intake on Gut Microbiota: A European Mendelian Randomization Study

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Microbiome Research
• Genetics

Background:

• Yogurt consumption is linked to gut health, but causal evidence is lacking.
• The precise impact of yogurt on gut microbiota composition requires elucidation.
• Understanding these relationships can inform dietary recommendations for gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between yogurt intake and gut microbiota composition.
• To differentiate the effects of low-fat and full-fat yogurt on specific bacterial taxa.
• To leverage large-scale genetic data for robust causal inference.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization analysis using UK Biobank and MiBioGen data.
• Utilized inverse variance weighted and MR Egger methods.
• Assessed causality for 196 gut microbiota taxa and yogurt consumption.

Main Results:

• Yogurt intake showed causal associations with increased Haemophilus, Clostridium sensu stricto_1, and Peptostreptococcaceae.
• Yogurt intake was linked to decreased Ruminococcaceae UCG-011, Betaproteobacteria, and Bilophila.
• Low-fat yogurt intake causally increased Eubacterium ruminantium and Methanobacteriaceae.

Conclusions:

• Yogurt consumption causally alters gut microbiota, with specific effects for low-fat varieties.
• Findings suggest yogurt's role in modulating gut microbial balance.
• Further research can explore the health implications of these yogurt-induced microbial shifts.