Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Human Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Gut microbiota changes correlate with health status. Literature data on gut microbiota show that all dietary changes can induce the alteration of gut microbiota composition. Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with a reduction of all-cause mortality and in this review, we analyzed its interactions with human microbiota. In particular, we explored the modulation of the human microbiota, in response to MD adherence, focusing the attention on polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω-3 and fiber. Evidences suggest that MD is able to modulate the gut microbiota, increasing its diversity. In fact, a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern is associated with specific gut microbiota characteristics. The available evidence, suggests that gut microbiota of subjects that follow a MD is significantly different from subjects that follow a Western diet model. In fact, the latter show an increased gut permeability, which is responsible for metabolic endotoxemia. For this reason, we can speculate that the gut microbiota of the subjects following a MD is able to prevent the onset of chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. However, in order to understand these correlations with dietary patterns, controlled intervention studies on the gut microbiota composition and activity are needed.

The Effects of Lifestyle and Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition, Inflammation and Muscle Performance in Our Aging Society

“…The anti-aging activity of SCFAs in Mediterranean diet is not limited to modulation of inflammation and anabolism, but also to cognitive function, since they are associated with reduced amyloid deposition in dementia [274]. The anti-aging activity of the Mediterranean diet is, however, also sustained by other nutrients, including polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, and acts globally towards the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, and the improvement of immune function, genomic stability, and insulin sensitivity [275][276][277]. Thus, from a microbiome perspective, the Mediterranean diet should be considered, according to the current state of knowledge, the best anti-aging dietary pattern.…”

Dietary Strategies for Management of Metabolic Syndrome: Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites

“…High adherence to MD positively impacts the gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolomes. Individuals with low adherence show high urinary TMAO levels, while compliance to MD is linked to increased SCFA levels, and an abundance of Prevotella and fiber-degrading Firmicutes [ 133 , 134 ]. Likewise, an increase in Bacteroidetes and Clostridia, a decrease in species belonging to Protectobacteria and Bacillaceae, and a drop in TMAO levels, in following MD, have been reported [ 135 ].…”

Polyphenols of the Mediterranean Diet and Their Metabolites in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

“…Food also influences the bacterial ecosystem and the latter can transform certain food molecules by metabolizing them, which is particularly important in the case of polyphenols present in large quantities in the Mediterranean diet [51]. It is currently assumed that the intestinal microbiota of subjects consuming a Mediterranean diet, rich in polyphenols and ω3 fatty acids, is capable of preventing the appearance of chronic non-transmissible degenerative diseases, such as age-related diseases (cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration) and certain types of cancer [52]. For polyphenols, it is well established that understanding their activity is inseparable from understanding their interaction with the microbiota.…”