The role of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity in decreasing age-related inflammation through modulation of the gut microbiota composition

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is known to be a predominant factor in the development of many age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that during the ageing process there is an increase in inflammatory biomarkers, which may be partially brought about by detrimental changes to the gut microbiota. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity are protective against inflammation and chronic disease, and emerging evidence has shown that these effects may be partially mediated through favourable changes to the gut microbiota. In this review we have evaluated the published literature on the effect of a MedDiet and physical activity on the gut microbiota. We also discuss the relationship between the gut microbiota and inflammation with a focus on healthy ageing. While inconsistent study designs make forming definitive conclusions challenging, the current evidence suggests that both a MedDiet and physical activity are capable of modifying the gut microbiota in a way that is beneficial to host health. For example, the increases in the relative abundance of short chain fatty acid producing bacteria that are considered to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Modification of the gut microbiota through a MedDiet and physical activity presents as a potential method to attenuate age-related increases in inflammation, additional studies utilising older individuals are needed to fill the knowledge gaps existing in current literature.

Potential effects of nutrition‐induced alteration of gut microbiota on inflammatory bowel disease: A review

“…140 Notably, the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest dietary patterns, is characterized by abundant vegetable food and significantly decreases the risk of developing late-onset CD by positively regulating the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota. 143 Several studies have demonstrated the significantly positive variation of gut microbiota after intervention of the Mediterranean diet, observed by increased abundances of beneficial bacteria and decreased abundances of harmful bacteria. 143 Compared to that with other formulated diets, IBD patients on Mediterranean diet may be less susceptible to malnutrition, 144 suggesting that the Mediterranean diet is a potential intervention for IBD prevention.…”

Intestinal microbiome in normal ageing, frailty and cognition decline

“…Dietary factors are related to chronic disease risk, and they have been suggested to modulate the composition and function of the gut microbiome [56,57 ▪▪ ]. Healthy dietary habits, such as the Mediterranean diet, cantered on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains, are associated with the promotion of good health, and emerging evidence has shown that these effects may be partially mediated through beneficial changes in the gut microbiota [58].…”

The health benefits and practical considerations for the adoption of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern

“…Adherence to a MDP, for 6 months, improved dietary inflammatory status and fatigue severity in RRMS patients relative to the TID (19) . As reviewed by Clark and colleagues the protective effects of the MDP https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522002471 Published online by Cambridge University Press Accepted manuscript against inflammation may be in part mediated through favourable changes to the gut microbiota composition and activity (20) .…”

“…Adherence to a MDP for 6 months improved dietary inflammatory status and fatigue severity relative to the traditional Iranian diet (19) . As reviewed by Clark and colleagues, the protective effects of the MDP against inflammation may be in part mediated through favourable changes to the gut microbiota composition and activity (20) .…”

“…Therefore, a somewhat unanswered question is the benefits of a MDP in isolation without these associated contextual health-enhancing elements of a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle. This edition has provided insights into the additive/ synergistic effects of a MDP with PA (3,20,35) and also the association between various lifestyle/behaviour factors and MDP adherence particularly in adolescents (29)(30)(31) . Knowledge of such interdependence is hugely important for the design and delivery of future public health (36) and clinic practice (22) guidelines.…”