Intake of Fiber From Different Food Sources and Type 2 Diabetes Risk: An Integrated Analysis of Epidemiological and...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Metabolomics
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Dietary fiber intake is linked to metabolic health.
• Specific food sources of fiber may differentially impact disease risk.
• Understanding molecular mechanisms is crucial for targeted dietary interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between fiber from various food sources and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk.
• To explore the role of plasma metabolic biomarkers and gut microbial profiles in this association.
• To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in fiber's protective effects.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from three large prospective U.S. cohorts (195,222 participants, up to 34 years follow-up).
• Evaluation of associations between dietary fiber intake (total, cereal, fruit, vegetable) and incident T2D.
• Assessment of plasma metabolic biomarkers, metabolomic profiles, and gut microbial features related to fiber intake and T2D risk.

Main Results:

• Higher total, cereal, and fruit fiber intake were associated with significantly lower T2D risk (HRs ranging from 0.77 to 0.88).
• Increased intake of these fibers correlated with improved insulinemic, lipid, and inflammatory plasma biomarkers, and a favorable T2D metabolomic profile.
• Specific gut microbes (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) and butyric acid-producing enzymes were linked to higher fruit fiber intake and a reduced T2D risk profile.

Conclusions:

• Higher consumption of total, cereal, and fruit fiber is associated with reduced T2D incidence.
• These fibers contribute to a more favorable metabolic and metabolomic profile.
• The gut microbiome, particularly influenced by fruit fiber, may play a key role in mediating these protective effects.