A novel plant-based food to make the benefits of the Mediterranean diet accessible to not adhering people

Abstract

Background The Mediterranean Diet (MD) tangibly impacts on human health, but the access to this virtuous dietary habit is difficult for a considerable part of the population. In response to this challenge, we selected ingredients with high content of bioactive components typical of MD, and designed and manufactured a MD-based food. Its effect on human gut microbiota, microbiome and metabolome was explored in comparison to placebo by feeding a Twin M-SHIME. The fecal donor used for the inoculation of the Twin M-SHIME was chosen within a cohort of individuals showing traits of low adherence to MD.Results The administration of MD-based food increased the abundance of numerous taxa, almost all having the potential to exert beneficial activities. Some detrimental taxa increased their abundances with the administration of the placebo but remained under control with MD-based food. The reshape of the microbiota reflected on microbiome changes. We observed increased abundances of genes responsible for colanic acid biosynthesis, a microbial metabolite implicated in longevity and healthy aging. The abundance of genes involved in L-valine pathway decreased, while the intake of MD-based food boosted the abundance of genes responsible for the carbohydrate metabolism. MD-based food temporarily increased the synthesis of SCFAs, which reflected the increased abundance of genes responsible for butyrate synthesis and fiber degradation. MD-based food modulated the synthesis of VOCs, with particular reference to esters derived from medium- and long-chain fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.Conclusions Overall, the intake of this novel MD-based food in vitro orchestrated positive changes in the gut microbiota, microbiome, and metabolome, making possible for people who do not adhere to MD the opportunity to access dietary benefits.