Impact of Food Nutritional Compounds on Gut Microbiota and Their Health Benefits

Dear Colleagues,

The human gut microbiota constitutes a complex, dynamic system of trillions of microorganisms. Extensive research evidence indicates that it plays a crucial role in maintaining human health and in the development of disease. Dietary intake profoundly influences the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Moreover, beyond providing basic nutrition, certain specialized nutrients—including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics—also serve as key regulators of the gut microbial community, exerting effects that extend far beyond their initial anticipated roles. By modulating the gut microbiota, we have gained both theoretical insights and achieved practical success in maintaining lifelong wellness, alleviating chronic diseases, and enhancing immune function. Nevertheless, it is crucial to underscore the intrinsic complexity of the gut microbiota and its intricate interplay with the host organism and external environment. This leaves a vast array of potential signaling molecules and targets yet to be explored.

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research that elucidates the precise mechanisms by which specialized nutrients interact with the gut microbiota, including cell, animal, and population experiments. We welcome original research articles and reviews exploring how these interactions translate into tangible health benefits through novel experimental approaches, such as multi-omics integration and AI-assisted bioinformatics analysis, such as the following:

• Enhancing gut barrier integrity and reducing inflammation;
• Reducing the infection of pathogenic bacteria;
• Modulating immune system homeostasis and preventing allergic/autoimmune diseases;
• Improving metabolic parameters in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases;
• Influencing the gut-X axis to promote health;
• The interactions and gut microbiota throughout the individual's full life cycle.

By dissecting the diet–microbiota–health axis, this issue seeks to advance our understanding of personalized nutrition and pave the way for novel dietary strategies to prevent and manage chronic diseases.

Dr. Jin Wang
Dr. Lei Pan
Guest Editors

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