🪱Microbiomes Unit 7 – Microbiomes and Nutrition

What Are Microbiomes?

• Microbiomes refer to the collective genomes of the microorganisms in a particular environment
• Consist of the combined genetic material present in microbiota (entire collection of microorganisms) of a specific ecological niche (gut, skin, mouth, etc.)
• Include bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes
• Play critical roles in human health, influencing digestion, immune function, and overall well-being
• Contain trillions of microbes with a vast genetic diversity, outnumbering human cells by a factor of 10 to 1
• Vary significantly between individuals based on factors like diet, environment, and genetics
• Interact dynamically with the host organism, engaging in complex signaling and metabolic processes

The Gut Microbiome Basics

• The gut microbiome specifically refers to the microorganisms residing in the human gastrointestinal tract
• Houses the largest and most diverse microbial community in the human body
• Comprises over 1,000 different bacterial species, along with fungi, viruses, and archaea
• Plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the production of essential compounds (short-chain fatty acids, vitamins)
• Influences the development and function of the immune system, helping to maintain a balance between tolerance and defense
• Communicates bidirectionally with the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis, impacting mood, behavior, and cognitive function
• Develops from birth and is shaped by factors like mode of delivery (vaginal vs. C-section), breastfeeding, and early life exposures
  • Establishes a relatively stable adult-like configuration by around 3 years of age

Microbiome and Nutrition Connection

• The gut microbiome and nutrition have a profound and complex relationship
• Diet is a major factor influencing the composition and function of the gut microbiome
  • Different dietary patterns (high-fat, high-fiber, etc.) can selectively promote the growth of specific microbial populations
• The microbiome, in turn, influences the host's ability to extract and utilize nutrients from food
  • Microbial fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates produces short-chain fatty acids that serve as energy sources for colonocytes
• Microbes synthesize essential nutrients (vitamin K, B vitamins) that the human body cannot produce independently
• Interactions between dietary components and the microbiome can modulate immune responses, influencing systemic inflammation and disease risk
• Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been linked to various nutrition-related disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Targeted nutritional interventions (probiotics, prebiotics) can be used to modulate the microbiome and improve health outcomes

Key Nutrients for Gut Health

• Fiber is a crucial nutrient for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome
  • Serves as a primary substrate for microbial fermentation, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli)
  • Increases the production of short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, acetate), which have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects
• Polyphenols, plant-based compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and beverages (tea, coffee, red wine), have prebiotic properties and can positively influence gut microbial composition
• Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from marine sources (fish, algae), have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut
• Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi) contain live microorganisms that can contribute to the diversity and resilience of the gut microbiome
• Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier and regulating immune responses in the gut
  • Deficiency has been associated with altered gut microbial composition and increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease
• Protein provides essential amino acids for the growth and function of gut microbes, but excessive protein intake, particularly from animal sources, may have detrimental effects on gut health

Diet's Impact on Microbiome Composition

• Long-term dietary patterns have a profound impact on the structure and function of the gut microbiome
• High-fat, high-sugar Western-style diets have been associated with reduced microbial diversity and increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Proteobacteria)
  • May contribute to the development of obesity, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease
• Plant-based diets rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables promote the growth of beneficial bacteria (Prevotella, Roseburia) and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids
  • Associated with improved gut barrier function, reduced inflammation, and lower risk of chronic diseases
• Mediterranean-style diets, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (olive oil), have been shown to promote a diverse and resilient gut microbiome
• Ketogenic diets, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, can significantly alter the gut microbiome, reducing the abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Roseburia)
  • Long-term effects on gut health and disease risk are not fully understood
• Intermittent fasting has been shown to modulate the gut microbiome, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Akkermansia muciniphila) and enhancing microbial diversity
• Even short-term dietary changes can rapidly alter the gut microbiome, highlighting the dynamic nature of this complex ecosystem

Microbiome's Role in Digestion and Metabolism

• The gut microbiome plays a critical role in the digestion and metabolism of nutrients
• Microbial enzymes break down complex carbohydrates (fiber, resistant starch) that the human digestive system cannot process independently
  • Fermentation of these substrates produces short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, acetate) that serve as energy sources for colonocytes and regulate immune function
• Microbes synthesize essential vitamins (vitamin K, B vitamins) and amino acids that the human body cannot produce or obtain in sufficient quantities from diet alone
• The microbiome influences the absorption and metabolism of lipids, regulating the production of triglycerides and cholesterol
• Microbial metabolites (secondary bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide) have been implicated in the development of metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes) and cardiovascular disease
• The microbiome interacts with the endocrine system, modulating the production and signaling of hormones involved in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis (ghrelin, leptin)
• Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been associated with impaired nutrient absorption, increased intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation
  • May contribute to the development of malnutrition, even in the presence of adequate dietary intake

Probiotics and Prebiotics Explained

• Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host
  • Most commonly include strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces
  • Can be found in fermented foods (yogurt, kefir) or taken as dietary supplements
• Probiotics can help restore the balance of the gut microbiome after perturbations (antibiotic treatment, infection) and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Mechanisms of action include competitive exclusion of pathogens, production of antimicrobial compounds, and modulation of immune responses
• Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut
  • Include compounds like inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
  • Found naturally in foods like onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, and whole grains
• Prebiotics serve as substrates for microbial fermentation, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli) and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids
• Synbiotics refer to the combination of probiotics and prebiotics, designed to enhance the survival and colonization of the probiotic strains in the gut
• The efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics can vary depending on the specific strains, doses, and individual host factors, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to microbiome modulation

Microbiome-Related Health Implications

• The gut microbiome has been implicated in a wide range of health conditions beyond the gastrointestinal tract
• Obesity and metabolic disorders have been associated with alterations in the gut microbiome, characterized by reduced diversity and increased abundance of Firmicutes relative to Bacteroidetes
  • Microbiome-derived metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids) can influence energy harvest, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) are characterized by dysbiosis, with reduced diversity and increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae)
  • Microbiome-host interactions can modulate intestinal permeability, immune responses, and inflammation in the gut
• The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, has been implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders (autism spectrum disorder, depression, Parkinson's disease)
  • Microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters) can influence neurodevelopment, behavior, and cognitive function
• The microbiome plays a crucial role in the development and function of the immune system, influencing the balance between pro-inflammatory and regulatory responses
  • Dysbiosis has been associated with autoimmune disorders (type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis) and allergic diseases (asthma, atopic dermatitis)
• Microbiome-based therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), have shown promise in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and are being explored for other conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders)
  • However, long-term safety and efficacy of these interventions require further investigation