Nutritional Modulation of the Gut Microbiome

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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate number of microbial cells in the human gut compared to the total cells in the body?

  • 10 times more than in the body (correct)
  • Half as many as in the body
  • Equal to the total cells in the body
  • 2 times more than in the body

Which bacterial species is NOT a main component of the gut microbiota?

  • Prevotella
  • Ruminococcus
  • Escherichia (correct)
  • Firmicutes

How can dietary changes impact the gut microbiome?

  • They can alter the diversity of gut microbiome in both short and long term (correct)
  • They can only affect gut bacteria in the long term
  • They have no effect on gut bacteria composition
  • They can completely eliminate all bacterial species

What is the role of the ratio between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the human body?

<p>It plays an important role in health and disease (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from an imbalance in bacterial species in the gut microbiome?

<p>Development of diseases like obesity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is important for immune and metabolic functions and is produced by bacteria?

<p>Vitamin K (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of chronic low-grade inflammation linked to gut microbiota?

<p>Obesity and type II diabetes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated weight of the gut microbiota in a human body?

<p>Around 2 kg (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was found to be higher in individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet?

<p>Diversity of the gut microbiome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterial groups were noted to be more abundant in individuals consuming the Mediterranean diet?

<p>Lactobacillus and Clostridium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is dietary fiber primarily composed of?

<p>Non-digestible carbohydrates and lignin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dietary fiber is known for being metabolized by gut bacteria to produce SCFAs?

<p>Soluble fiber (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a diet high in animal protein have on gut bacteria?

<p>Decreases Roseburia spp. (B), Increases Bilophila spp. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary intervention resulted in an increase in Enterorhabdus and Lachnoclostridium?

<p>Mediterranean diet (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diets is characterized by being low in fiber and has been linked to chronic conditions?

<p>Western diet (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria primarily increases as a result of adhering to a Mediterranean diet?

<p>Prevotella (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a high-fiber diet have on SCFA production?

<p>It increases SCFA production (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of dietary fibers?

<p>They are resistant to digestive enzymes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a comparison study between children from Burkina Faso and Italy, what was observed in the microbiome of the African children?

<p>Increased SCFA production (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur to gut microbiota in response to a low-fat, high-fiber diet?

<p>Shifts towards beneficial bacteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dietary components is NOT part of the Western diet as described?

<p>Olive oil (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterium is associated with a fiber-rich diet as seen in the Burkina Faso children?

<p>Xylanibacter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of consuming a high-fat diet regarding gut microbiota?

<p>Loss of beneficial bacteria (A), Shift in bacterial diversity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do plant-based diets affect the intestinal microbiome compared to Western diets?

<p>Positive shift towards beneficial bacteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does low fiber intake have on the production of SCFA?

<p>It shifts SCFA production to amino acids. (A), It reduces SCFA production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterial group showed the most prominent bifidogenic effect in type II diabetics after supplementation with inulin-type fructans?

<p>Bifidobacterium adolescentis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of resistant starch on the gut microbiota?

<p>Increased levels of Bifidobacterium spp. in both RS1 and RS2 groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is emphasized for its positive effects on the gut microbiome?

<p>Polyphenols (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of flavonoids as mentioned in relation to gut health?

<p>To modulate gut health by affecting SCFA production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are SCFA derived from in the gut microbiome?

<p>Fermentation of dietary fibers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context are polyphenols frequently discussed?

<p>For their anti-cancer properties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common effect do both resistant starch and inulin-type fructans share regarding gut health?

<p>Increase of SCFA production. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in metabolism?

<p>Reduce inflammation and improve insulin resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which compounds are mainly responsible for the production of trimethylamine (TMA) in the gut?

<p>Carnitine and choline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following primary bile acids is NOT mentioned as a type?

<p>Deoxycholic acid (A), Urso-deoxycholic acid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of converting TMA into TMAO in the liver?

<p>Linked to inflammation and metabolic diseases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The microbiota transforms primary bile acids into which of the following?

<p>Indole derivatives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dietary pattern is associated with high levels of carnitine and choline?

<p>Typical Western diet (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are influenced by metabolites formed from tryptophan metabolism in the gut?

<p>Treg cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between SCFA and dietary fiber?

<p>SCFA production enhances the impact of dietary fiber on weight loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gut Microbiome Composition

The variety and proportion of different types of bacteria, along with other microbes like viruses and fungi, in the gut.

Diet's Impact on Gut Microbiome

Diet significantly influences the types and amounts of bacteria in the gut.

Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes

Two major bacterial groups in the gut, whose ratio is important for health.

Gut Microbiome and Disease

An imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to diseases, like type 2 diabetes.

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Gut Microbes' Role in Health

Gut bacteria help digest food, make vitamins, and produce neurotransmitters, like serotonin, and enzymes.

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Western Diet

A diet high in processed foods, saturated fat, and sugar.

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Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Conditions linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and often associated with an imbalanced gut microbiome.

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Diet-Disease Link

The composition of your diet directly impacts the types and numbers of bacteria in your gut; these bacterial variations are known to be associated with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

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Animal protein diet effect on gut microbiome

A diet high in animal protein increases harmful bacteria like Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Bilophila, while decreasing beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Roseburia, altering gut microbiome diversity.

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Western diet and gut health

High-fat, high-sugar diets are linked to chronic inflammation, metabolic issues, and obesity, often causing gut microbiome imbalances.

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High-fat diet effect on gut microbiome

High-fat diets decrease Bacteroidetes and increase Firmicutes, showing a correlation between diet and changes in gut microbes.

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High-fiber diet and gut microbiome

High-fiber diets promote a shift toward beneficial bacteria (Prevotella and Bacteroides), and away from harmful bacteria (Firmicutes), improving gut health.

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Mediterranean Diet and Gut Microbiome

A plant-focused diet high in fiber, omega-3s, and low in animal protein and saturated fats, linked to increased beneficial bacteria and SCFA production (short-chain fatty acids).

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Fiber and gut microbiome

Fiber-rich diets can improve gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria and shifting the gut microbiome towards a beneficial composition.

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Burkina Faso vs. Italian children gut microbiome study

African (Burkina Faso) children's diets rich in fiber and resistant starch resulted in increased Bacteroidetes, Prevotella, and Xylanibacter, and lower Firmicutes, leading to higher SCFA production compared to European children.

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SCFA production and gut health

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are byproducts of fiber digestion, and high levels are associated with a better gut microbiome and overall health.

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Mediterranean Diet

A diet rich in natural fiber, resistant starch, fish oil, olive oil, and whole grains.

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Gut Microbiome Diversity

The variety of different types of bacteria in the gut.

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Dietary Fiber

Non-digestible carbohydrates from plants that are not absorbed in the small intestine, and which promote growth of beneficial bacteria.

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Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

Byproducts of fiber fermentation by gut bacteria which have beneficial effects on the gut.

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Firmicutes and Actinobacteria

Bacterial phyla that respond most to fiber in the diet and produce SCFAs

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Soluble Fiber

A type of fiber that is metabolized by bacteria in the gut, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

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Insoluble Fiber

A type of fiber that is not easily broken down in the gut.

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What happens when fiber intake is low?

Low fiber intake reduces SCFA production and forces gut bacteria to utilize less favorable substrates like amino acids and host mucins for energy.

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Prebiotic Inulin

A type of prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and increases SCFA production.

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Resistant Starch

A type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine, reaching the large intestine where it's fermented by gut bacteria.

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Effect of Resistant Starch on Bifidobacteria

Both RS1 and RS2 (types of resistant starch) increase Bifidobacterium spp. in the gut, with RS2 also increasing lactobacilli, streptococci, and Enterobacteriaceae.

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Polyphenols

Plant compounds with anti-cancer properties that positively impact the gut microbiome.

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Flavonoids

A type of polyphenol found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, which promote SCFA production and reduce LPS.

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SCFA production

Short-chain fatty acids are produced by gut bacteria as they ferment dietary fibers.

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What are bacterial metabolites?

Substances produced by gut bacteria during their metabolic processes, including SCFAs, bile acids, and tryptophan.

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What are SCFAs?

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by gut bacteria when they ferment dietary fiber. They play a crucial role in gut health and overall metabolism.

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SCFAs benefit

SCFAs, produced from fiber fermentation, have several benefits for your health, including reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing feelings of fullness.

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Bile acids

Bile acids are produced by the liver and help digest fat in the gut. They are modified by gut bacteria, playing a vital role in gut health.

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Tryptophan metabolism

Tryptophan is an amino acid that's broken down by gut bacteria to produce important metabolites, like indole derivatives and tryptamine. These compounds contribute to gut health and immune function.

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TMA

Trimethylamine (TMA) is a compound produced by gut bacteria from dietary sources like red meat. It's linked to inflammation and other health problems.

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TMAO

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is formed in the liver from TMA, and has been linked to inflammation, diabetes, and obesity. It's a potential marker of unhealthy gut function.

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Gut microbiome

The collection of trillions of microbes, mainly bacteria, living in your gut. This complex ecosystem plays a vital role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.

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Study Notes

Nutritional Modulation of the Gut Microbiome

  • The gut microbiome contains 10 times the number of microbial cells as the human body.
  • Approximately 100 trillion microbes live in the human gut.
  • Roughly 5000 different species of microbes live in the gut.
  • The gut microbiome weighs approximately 2 kilograms.
  • The gut microbiome is composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
  • Major bacterial species in the gut include Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will learn about the gut microbiota overview.
  • Students will learn about different dietary styles (Western, plant-based, high-fat, medical ketogenic, and Mediterranean).
  • Students will learn about the effect of each diet on the gut microbiota.
  • Students will learn about fiber and the gut microbiome.
  • Students will learn about the effects of bacterial metabolites on inflammation and metabolic endotoxemia.

The Human Microbiome

  • 25 phyla are known.
  • ~2,000 genera are known.
  • ~5,000 species are known.
  • ~80% of the metagenome is mappable.
  • ~316 million genes are known.
  • ~20% of microbial genomes remain unknown.
  • ~40% of functional genes are yet to be matched with existing databases.

Geographical Location and Phylum Abundance

  • Phylum abundance varies across different geographical regions.
  • Firmicutes are the most prevalent phylum (51.1%).
  • Bacteroidetes constitute a significant portion (36.0%).
  • Other phyla are present in lesser amounts.

Bacteria Ratio

  • The ratio between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes is vital to human health and disease.

Importance of the Gut Microbiome

  • Gut bacteria are central to harvesting energy from food, maintaining beneficial/harmful bacteria balance, and producing essential neurotransmitters, enzymes, and vitamins.
  • Vitamin K, for example, is produced by bacteria and plays a role in immune and metabolic functions.
  • Imbalances in gut bacterial species might lead to disease.

Diet Effect on Gut Bacterial Composition

  • Diet is a major factor in altering gut bacterial composition.
  • Diet changes may lead to changes in the ratio of bacterial species important to health.
  • Diet plays a role in influencing conditions like obesity and type II diabetes. (Western diets are linked to inflammation and obesity)

Beneficial and Harmful Bacterial Species

  • A high-animal protein diet often increases harmful bacteria (Bacteroides, Alistipes, Bilophila).
  • Beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Roseburia, E. rectale) are often decreased with this type of diet.
  • Changes in these species can affect gut microbiome diversity.

Effect of Animal-Based Diets

  • Western diets (high fat, high sugar) are linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, metabolic issues, and obesity.

Effect of Plant-Based Diets

  • Low-fat, high-fiber diets can positively alter the microbial composition of the gut.
  • They can support beneficial bacteria (e.g., Prevotella and Bacteroides).
  • Plant-based diets can reduce Firmicutes.

European vs. African Diet Study

  • A study comparing European and African children revealed differences in microbiome composition.
  • European children had lower fiber consumption and a different gut microbiome composition compared to African children.

Effect of Gut Microbiome on Health

  • The gut microbiome can have a positive or negative impact on health. (high versus low inflammatory bacteria)
  • Specific diets might increase or decrease the occurrence of inflammatory bacteria.

Fiber and the Gut Microbiome

  • Dietary fiber includes non-digestible carbs and lignin.
  • Fiber types differ in chemical structure, solubility, viscosity, and fermentability.
  • Soluble fiber is metabolized by gut bacteria, forming short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
  • Insoluble fiber helps maintain gut health.

Fiber Effect on the Gut Microbiome

  • Firmicutes and Actinobacteria are the main responders to dietary fiber.
  • High-fiber diets encourage the production of SCFAs.
  • Reduced dietary fiber can hinder SCFA production, reducing beneficial effects on gut health.

Prebiotic Inulin

  • Inulin-type fructans influence the gut microbiome in individuals with type II diabetes.
  • The beneficial effect of these fructans involves increases in Bifidobacteria and SCFA production.
  • Inulin-type fructans can cause changes in the intestinal microbial composition.

Resistant Starch

  • Resistant starch positively impacts gut microbiota.
  • Resistant starch increases Bifidobacterium and other beneficial bacterial species.
  • Resistant starch increases SCFA production.

Phytochemicals and Gut Microbiome

  • Polyphenols are found in various plants and affect the microbiome positively.
  • Flavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables; they exhibit gut-modulating effects, like reducing LPS and increasing SCFA production.
  • Specific polyphenols are linked to anti-cancer properties.

Bacterial Metabolites

  • Bacterial metabolites of different origins can influence inflammation and metabolic endotoxemia.
  • Includes SCFAs, bile acids, tryptophan, and trimethylamine.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

  • SCFAs are produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber.
  • SCFAs can improve weight loss, enhance glycemic control, and promote better metabolic health.
  • SCFAs can have significant effects on the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, improving insulin resistance, and influencing satiety.

Bile Acids

  • Bile acids are secreted into the gut in the presence of fat.
  • Primary bile acids (cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) are transformed by gut microbiota.

Tryptophan

  • Indole derivatives and tryptamine form through tryptophan metabolism, influencing epithelial and immune cells.
  • Tryptophan metabolites can reduce inflammation and reprogram Treg cells.

Trimethylamine (TMA/TMAO)

  • TMA is a byproduct of the breakdown of red meat and processed food components.
  • TMA is converted to TMAO, which is linked to inflammation, type II diabetes, and obesity.

Summary

  • Diet significantly influences bacterial composition in the gut.
  • Shifts in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Prevotella and Bacteroides) are associated with obesity and diets high in fat and sugar, low in fiber.
  • Plant-based diets can have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome and overall health, potentially reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting satiety.
  • Mediterranean-type diets are linked to positive changes in gut microbiome composition and production of beneficial metabolites.

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