Influence of dietary components on the gut microbiota of middle-aged adults: the gut-Mediterranean connection/Experiment 3/Signature 2
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Source: Figure 5C
Description: Experiment 1 – Fruits and Legumes
Decreased intake of fiber-rich fruits and legumes was positively correlated with the abundance of Prevotella and Coprococcus, two genera well-known for their carbohydrate-fermenting capacity. This suggests that diets enriched in plant polysaccharides foster beneficial taxa that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Experiment 2 – Whole Grains
Consumption of whole grains was linked to lower levels of Clostridium XIVb and Parabacteroides. These bacteria are efficient degraders of resistant starches and contribute to metabolic resilience, reinforcing the role of grain-derived fiber in shaping gut ecology.
Experiment 3 – Fish and Fatty Acids
Dietary fish intake and higher saturated fat consumption showed significant positive associations with Turicibacter. In contrast, Prevotella exhibited a marked negative association with saturated fats, indicating opposing microbial responses depending on fat type and highlighting the nuanced role of lipid quality in microbiota modulation.
Experiment 4 – Alcohol
Alcohol consumption, despite its mixed health profile, correlated negatively with Prevotella. This may partly reflect polyphenol-rich beverages (e.g., red wine), previously linked to improved microbial diversity, though the specific alcohol sources were not detailed in this study.
Experiment 5 – Meat and Dairy
Higher intakes of meat and dairy were negatively associated with carbohydrate-degrading taxa including Prevotella and Clostridium XIVb. These findings align with the concept that animal-based foods shift the microbiota toward taxa adapted to protein and fat metabolism, potentially reducing microbial diversity.
Experiment 6 – Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA/PUFA)
Negative correlations between Holdemanella and unsaturated fatty acid intake emphasize how dietary lipid quality, rather than total fat, may promote beneficial microbial taxa. This supports dietary recommendations that favor MUFA/PUFA over SFA.
Experiment 7 – Overall Diet Quality (mMDS score)
When participants were categorized by Mediterranean diet score (mMDS), higher adherence was consistently associated with decrease of Prevotella, Clostridium XIVb, and Coprococcus. These taxa act as ecological markers of a high-fiber, plant-based dietary pattern, reinforcing the broader structural effects of the MedD on gut microbial composition.
Abundance in Group 1: decreased abundance in (Q4) High level of diet
| NCBI | Quality Control | Links |
|---|---|---|
| ParabacteroidsParabacteroids | ||
| Clostridium X1VaClostridium X1Va | ||
| Clostridium X1VbClostridium X1Vb | ||
| Holdemanella | ||
| Anaerovorax |
Revision editor(s): SheikhAlMamun
