Gut Microbiota Bacterial Species Associated with Mediterranean Diet-Related Food Groups in a Northern Spanish Population

Abstract

The MD (Mediterranean diet) is recognized as one of the healthiest diets worldwide and is associated with the prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Dietary habits are considered one of the strongest modulators of gut microbiota, which seem to play a significant role in health status of the host. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate interactive associations between gut microbiota composition and habitual dietary intake in 360 Spanish adults from the Obekit cohort (normal weight, overweight, and obese participants). Dietary intake and adherence to the MD tests were administered and fecal samples were collected from each participant. Fecal 16S rRNA (ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid) gene sequencing was performed and checked against the dietary habits. MetagenomeSeq was the statistical tool applied to analyze data at the species taxonomic level. Results from this study identified several beneficial bacteria that were more abundant in the individuals with higher adherence to the MD. Bifidobacterium animalis was the species with the strongest association with the MD. Some SCFA (Short Chain Fatty Acids) -producing bacteria were also associated with MD. In conclusion, this study showed that MD, fiber, legumes, vegetable, fruit, and nut intake are associated with an increase in butyrate-producing taxa such as Roseburia faecis, Ruminococcus bromii, and Oscillospira (Flavonifractor) plautii.

Impact of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives on the Gut Microbiota of Consumers: A Real-World Study

“…In addition, metagenomic screening of 3184 sequenced bacterial genomes from the Integrated Microbial Genome database by Vital et al [ 95 ] suggests that genera in the Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families are representative of the butyrate-producing taxonomic core characteristic of individuals with healthy colons. Furthermore, members of the Oscillospira genus, such as Flavonifractor plautii , have been found to be more abundant in individuals who adhere to dietary patterns characterised by the abundance and variety of fibre and polyphenol sources [ 60 , 71 , 96 , 97 ]. Faecalibacterium species, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , have also been documented to thrive on both Mediterranean-type and plant-based dietary patterns [ 98 , 99 , 100 ].…”

An In Vitro Protocol to Study the Modulatory Effects of a Food or Biocompound on Human Gut Microbiome and Metabolome

“…After faecal inoculation, a stabilization period of 12 days was required to allow bacteria to grow and reach stable levels [ 22 , 23 ]. During this period, 200 mL of cultured medium was added to the stomach (R1) three times a day.…”

Impact of Mediterranean Diet on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and Longevity

“…Another study in 23 overweight omnivores comparing the MedDiet with a vegetarian diet reported a significant increase in propionic acid production that was negatively correlated with changes in various inflammatory cytokines only in participants following the MedDiet [73]. A recent investigation of 360 Spanish adults from the Obekit cohort reported that higher adherence to MedDiet, as well as fiber, legumes, vegetables, fruit, and nut intakes were associated with an increase in butyrate-producing taxa [74]. A hallmark of MedDiet is its high content of fiber [75].…”

“…A study in overweight participants showed a significant increase in propionic acid production in participants following the MedDiet that was inversely related to various inflammatory cytokines [73]. In a sample of the Obekit cohort, a higher adherence to the MedDiet was associated with increased butyrate-producing taxa [74]. A substudy from the PREDIMED-Plus study showed that weight loss induced by an energy-restricted MedDiet plus physical activity induced changes in gut microbiota with increases in SCFAs producing bacteria [156].…”