Gut Microbiota Differences According to Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in a Spanish Population

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption could affect gut microbiota diversity and profile. We aimed to evaluate the effects of UPFs on microbiota, considering the role of sex. The consumption of UPFs (using NOVA criteria) was assessed with a validated 137-item food-frequency questionnaire. Participants (n = 359) were classified into less than three servings per day (n = 96) of UPFs and more than five (n = 90). Women and men were subclassified following the same criteria. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed from DNA fecal samples, and differences in microbiota were analyzed using EdgeR. The relationship between UPFs and bacteria was assessed by Spearman correlation and comparison of tertiles of consumption. Women who consumed more than five servings/day of UPFs presented an increase in Acidaminococcus, Butyrivibrio, Gemmiger, Shigella, Anaerofilum, Parabacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriales, Bifidobacteriales and Actinobacteria and a decrease in Melainabacter and Lachnospira. Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriales and Actinobacteria was positively associated with pizza and Actinobacteria with industrially processed dairy in women. Men who consumed more than five servings/day presented an increase of Granulicatella, Blautia, Carnobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Bacteroidia and Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Anaerostipes and Clostridiaceae. Bacteroidia and Bacteroidetes correlated positively with industrially processed meat. This study suggests that UPFs may affect microbiota composition differently in women and men.

Association between ultra-processed food consumption and gut microbiota in senior subjects with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome

“…In the present study, the population was categorized according to tertiles of UPF consumption, and we observed that subjects allocated in the highest tertile presented lower adherence to MedDiet and higher total energy intake. These results were in line with the aforementioned articles, and very similar to the ones obtained previously by Cuevas-Sierra et al where higher values of total energy intake and a lower adherence to MedDiet were observed in subjects consuming more than 5 UPF servings/day (18).…”

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Adult Diabetes Risk: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis

“…In addition, dietary fiber may increase peripheral insulin sensitivity through short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut microbiota and their capacity to ferment fiber [36,37]. Some studies also demonstrated that UPFs might directly modulate gut microbiota configuration, richness and diversity [38,39].…”

Dietary Patterns and Gut Microbiota Changes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Current Insights and Future Challenges

“…UPF is similar to the Westernized diet from the point of energy and nutrition, being made from refined carbohydrates, fat, sugar, protein isolates and various additives. The Westernized diet and UPF could reduce gut microbiota diversity and lead to dysbiosis, which is a feature of IBD [ 11 , 12 ]. Hence, current studies aim to improve gut microbiota through diet strategies or food components in order to achieve IBD remission.…”