Interindividual Variation in Adult Gut Microbiome Composition in Two Rural Communities in Japan: Associations With...

Area of Science:

• Microbiome research
• Nutritional science
• Human health and longevity

Background:

• The Japanese diet is associated with exceptional longevity.
• The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in mediating diet-health relationships.
• Understanding the gut microbiome's response to traditional diets is vital for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between nutrient intake and gut microbiome diversity and composition in rural Japanese populations.
• To examine how adherence to the traditional Japanese diet influences gut microbial profiles.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 263 adults in rural Japan.
• Food frequency questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and fecal sample collection.
• 16S ribosomal RNA analysis to assess gut microbiome diversity and composition.

Main Results:

• Higher intake of seafood, rice, and vegetable nutrients (e.g., vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber) correlated with increased gut microbiome diversity.
• Increased alcohol and fat consumption were associated with significantly lower microbiome diversity.
• Specific nutrient intakes (e.g., cholesterol, iron, vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids) were significantly associated with gut microbiome composition (beta diversity).

Conclusions:

• Nutrient intake patterns significantly influence gut microbiome variation in Japanese populations.
• Dietary components characteristic of the Japanese diet may promote a diverse gut microbiome.
• Further research is needed to clarify the interplay between the Japanese diet and the gut microbiome.