Dietary and plasma carotenoids are positively associated with alpha diversity in the fecal microbiota of pregnant women

Abstract

Because microbes use carotenoids as an antioxidant for protection, dietary carotenoids could be associated with gut microbiota composition. We aimed to determine associations among reported carotenoid intake, plasma carotenoid concentrations, and fecal bacterial communities in pregnant women. Pregnant women (n = 27) were enrolled in a two‐arm study designed to assess feasibility of biospecimen collection and delivery of a practical nutrition intervention. Plasma and fecal samples were collected and women were surveyed with a 24‐hr dietary checklist and recalls. Plasma carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC using photodiode array detection. Fecal bacteria were analyzed by 16S rRNA DNA sequencing. Results presented are cross‐sectional from the 36‐week gestational study visit combined across both study arms due to lack of significant differences between intervention and usual care groups (n = 23 women with complete data). Recent intake of carotenoid‐containing foods included carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, apricots, and/or bell peppers for 48% of women; oranges/orange juice (17%); egg (39%); tomato/tomato‐based sauces (52%); fruits (83%); and vegetables (65%). Average plasma carotenoid concentrations were 6.4 µg/dL α‐carotene (AC), 17.7 µg/dL β‐carotene (BC), 11.4 µg/dL cryptoxanthin, 39.0 µg/dL trans‐lycopene, and 29.8 µg/dL zeaxanthin and lutein. AC and BC concentrations were higher in women who recently consumed foods high in carotenoids. CR concentrations were higher in women who consumed oranges/orange juice. Microbiota α‐diversity positively correlated with AC and BC. Microbiota β‐diversity differed significantly across reported intake of carotenoid containing foods and plasma concentrations of AC. This may reflect an effect of high fiber or improved overall dietary quality, rather than a specific effect of carotenoids.Practical ApplicationLittle is known about the association between the gut microbiome and specific dietary microconstituents, such as carotenoids, especially during pregnancy. This research demonstrates that a carotenoid‐rich diet during pregnancy supports a diverse microbiota, which could be one mechanism by which carotenoids promote health.

What Is the Current Direction of the Research on Carotenoids and Human Health? An Overview of Registered Clinical Trials

“…Another recent small-scale cross-sectional study showed that dietary and plasma carotenoids were positively associated with alpha diversity in the fecal microbiota of pregnant women ( n = 27). In particular, correlations with α and ß-carotene were found [ 54 ]. The effects of carotenoid supplementation on gut composition are few, and a recent review tried to summarize the main findings by concluding that the “carotenoids–gut” interaction still represents a fundamental research question that must be addressed [ 55 ].…”

Sugary beverage intake and genetic risk of dementia in relation to incident dementia and brain structure: evidence from the UK Biobank

“…Therefore, its neurological harm may outweigh bene ts from reduced caloric intake. Conversely, rich contents of vitamins [37][38][39] , minerals 40 , carotenoids [41][42][43] , and avornoids 44 in NSJ may have advantaged the effects of excessive sugar and thus protected brain health.…”

Sugary beverage intake and genetic risk in relation to brain structure and incident dementia: evidence from the UK Biobank

“…Therefore, its neurological harm may outweigh bene ts from reduced caloric intake. Conversely, rich contents of vitamins [37][38][39], minerals [40], carotenoids [41][42][43], and avonoids [44] in NSJ may have advantaged the effects of excessive sugar and thus protected brain health. Furthermore, oxidative damage caused by the β-amyloid peptide in the pathogenesis of dementia may be hydrogen peroxide mediated [45].…”