Diet and the Intestinal Microbiome: Associations, Functions, and Implications for Health and Disease

Abstract

The mutual relationship between the intestinal microbiota and its mammalian host is influenced by diet. Consumption of various nutrients affects the structure of the microbial community and provides substrates for microbial metabolism. The microbiota can produce small molecules that are absorbed by the host and affect many important physiological processes. Age-dependent and societal differences in the intestinal microbiota could result from differences in diet. Examples include differences in the intestinal microbiota of breast- vs formula-fed infants, or differences in microbial richness in individuals consuming an agrarian plant-based vs a Western diet, which is high in meat and fat. We review how diet affects the structure and metabolome of the human intestinal microbiome, and may contribute to health or pathogenesis of disorders such as coronary vascular disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Extending in vitro digestion models to specific human populations: Perspectives, practical tools and bio-relevant information

“…The colon is increasingly recognized for its milieu of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and archaea and rich metabolic activity equated to that of the human liver (Nardone & Malfertheiner, 2011;O'Hara & Shanahan, 2006;Olszewska & Jagusztyn-Krynicka, 2012;Turnbaugh et al, 2007). Recent studies of the human colon microbiome have established various links between nutrition, the microbiome and health with evidence that microbiomes are affected by age, gender, diet, culture, geography and various physiological/pathological states (Albenberg & Wu, 2014;D'Argenio et al, 2013;Flint, 2012;Holscher et al, 2015;Olszewska & Jagusztyn-Krynicka, 2012). Therefore, it is no surprise that the field of IVD models of the human colon are also a vibrant field, as reviewed by others (Payne et al, 2012).…”

Effect of Diet Change on Gut Microbiota: Observational Pilot Study of Four Urban Couples

“…14,15 The consumption of various nutrients affects the structure of the microbial community and provides substrates for microbial metabolism. 16 The microbiota can produce molecules absorbed by the host and can affect many important physiological processes. 16,17 Functional studies in animal models, as well as descriptive association studies in humans, provide evidence for the role of diet in disease pathogenesis through its effects on intestinal microbes.…”

“…16 The microbiota can produce molecules absorbed by the host and can affect many important physiological processes. 16,17 Functional studies in animal models, as well as descriptive association studies in humans, provide evidence for the role of diet in disease pathogenesis through its effects on intestinal microbes. 16 Couples who live together share their lifestyles.…”

“…16,17 Functional studies in animal models, as well as descriptive association studies in humans, provide evidence for the role of diet in disease pathogenesis through its effects on intestinal microbes. 16 Couples who live together share their lifestyles. They tend to eat similar foods, do exercise together, and enjoy leisure activities together.…”

396 The Effect of Past Antibiotic Exposure on Diabetes Risk

“…Specific changes in the microbiota were described in a wide range of diseases from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to atherosclerosis and cancer (1)(2)(3)(4).…”