Gut microbiota, diet, and obesity‐related disorders—The good, the bad, and the future challenges

• Published in: Molecular nutrition & food research 2017-01, Vol.61 (1), p.np-n/a
• Main Authors: Portune, Kevin J., Benítez‐Páez, Alfonso, Del Pulgar, Eva Maria Gomez, Cerrudo, Victor, Sanz, Yolanda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacteria - metabolism; Bile acids; Bile Acids and Salts - metabolism; Diet; Diet, High-Fat - adverse effects; Dietary Fats - pharmacology; Dietary Fiber - pharmacology; Dietary Proteins - pharmacology; Disorders; Ecosystems; Environmental changes; Fermentation; Food; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Inflammation - microbiology; Intervention; Intestinal microflora; Metabolic disorders; Metabolic health; Metabolism; Metabolites; Microbiota; Nutrient sources; Obesity; Obesity - diet therapy; Obesity - metabolism; Obesity - microbiology; pH effects; Structure-function relationships; Whole Grains
• ISSN: 1613-4125; 1613-4133
• DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600252

Diet has been shown to be a major factor in modulating the structure of the mammalian gut microbiota by providing specific nutrient sources and inducing environmental changes (pH, bile acids) in the gut ecosystem. Long‐term dietary patterns and short‐term interventions have been shown to induce changes in gut microbiota structure and function, with several studies revealing metabolic changes likely resulting from the host microbiota cross‐talk, which ultimately could influence host physiology. However, a more precise identification of the specific dietary patterns and food constituents that effectively modulate the gut microbiota and bring a predictable benefit to the host metabolic phenotype is needed to establish microbiome‐based dietary recommendations. Here, we briefly review the existing data regarding gut microbiota changes induced by different macronutrients and the resulting metabolites produced via their respective fermentation, including their potential effects on obesity and associated metabolic disorders. We also discuss major limitations of current dietary intervention studies as well as future needs of applying cutting‐edge “omic” techniques and of progressing in functional microbiota gene discovery to establish robust causal relationships between the dietary microbiota induced changes and metabolic health or disease. Diet has been shown to be a major factor in modulating the mammalian gut microbiota composition, which in turn alters microbial metabolites produced during the fermentation of ingested dietary macronutrients. These metabolites can have beneficial and adverse effects on host physiology and health. This review analyzes the existing data regarding the interplay between macronutrients (fats, fibers and proteins), the gut microbiota and associated metabolites, and overall effects on host health.