Dietary Changes and Microbiome Turnover
A 2014 Nature study found that gut bacteria changed within days when volunteers swapped diets entirely, with significant changes in microbial communities. The study involved volunteers eating diets composed entirely of animal products or entirely of plant products.
Shifts in Microbial Populations
The animal-based diet raised bile-tolerant bacteria including Alistipes, Bilophila and Bacteroides. In contrast, it lowered the Firmicutes that ferment plant fibre, including Roseburia, Eubacterium rectale and Ruminococcus bromii. This shift in microbial populations was significant, with microbes from the food itself passing through the gut.
Implications of the Study
The shift in microbial gene expression was large enough to overwhelm the differences between individuals. This suggests that the gut microbiome is highly responsive to dietary changes, and that individual variations in the microbiome may be less important than previously thought. The study's findings have implications for our understanding of the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome.
Practical Applications
The Australian nutrient reference values set daily fibre targets of 25 g for women and 30 g for men, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet in supporting gut health. Products like BIOMEWARD, an Australian daily prebiotic fibre powder, can provide a convenient way to support fibre intake, with a blend of 32 g PHGG, 23 g psyllium, 16 g resistant potato starch, 14 g acacia, and 7 g inulin per 100 g. The research page links 36 papers, including 35 human studies and one laboratory study, providing a wealth of information on the topic.