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Nutrition–Microbiome Interaction in Healthy Metabolism

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 April 2025) | Viewed by 6534

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: gut microbiome; precision nutrition; cardiometabolic diseases
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Global Health Institute, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi’an 710061, China
Interests: nutrional intervention; gut microbiota; cardiometabolic health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intricate interactions between host nutrition and the gut microbiota play an essential role in regulating host metabolism. The gut microbiota depends on the host intake of nutrients for their own survival. In turn, many gut microbes directly participate in the digestive process, producing various nutrients/metabolites involved in the host metabolism and biology process. Additiionally, individual differences in postprandial metabolic responses to diets may be influenced by a combination of host and microbiome features. Gut-microbiome-based precision nutrition offers promising advancements in the control and treatment of disease at the individual level.

This Special Issue aims to present cutting-edge research on nutrition–microbiome interaction in human metabolism. We encourage submissions from microbiome-based nutritional studies, including epidemiological and animal research, that have identified key microbes and microbial metabolites as potential targets for dietary interventions to support and maintain a healthy human metabolism. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Impacts of diet/nutrition on the gut microbiome and human metabolism;
  • Effects of diet–microbiome interactions on human metabolism;
  • Gut-microbiome-based precision nutrition.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Wanglong Gou
Dr. Xin Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • diet
  • nutrition
  • gut microbiome
  • microbial metabolites
  • human metabolism
  • human health
  • precision nutrition

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 753 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Supplementation of Sauerkraut Induces Favorable Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Active Athletes: A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Andrija Karačić, Jadran Zonjić, Ena Stefanov, Katja Radolović, Antonio Starčević, Ira Renko, Željko Krznarić, Matija Ivančić, Zvonimir Šatalić and Ana-Marija Liberati Pršo
Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4421; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244421 - 23 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2315
Abstract
Background: Since the gut microbiota is important for athlete health and performance, its optimization is increasingly gaining attention in sports nutrition, for example, with whole fermented foods. Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food rich in pro-, pre-, and postbiotics, which has not yet [...] Read more.
Background: Since the gut microbiota is important for athlete health and performance, its optimization is increasingly gaining attention in sports nutrition, for example, with whole fermented foods. Sauerkraut is a traditional fermented food rich in pro-, pre-, and postbiotics, which has not yet been investigated in the field of sports nutrition. Methods: To determine whether sauerkraut could be used for gut microbiota optimization in sports nutrition, a proof-of-concept study was conducted. The microbiota composition of organic pasteurized sauerkraut was analyzed, and then healthy active athletes were provided with the same sauerkraut for 10 days as an intervention. The effects of sauerkraut on the athlete’s gut microbiota, laboratory parameters, and bowel function were assessed. Results: Significant changes in the gut microbiota composition were seen on taxonomic and functional levels, independent of baseline microbiota composition, even after short-term supplementation. Most notably, there was an increase in several health-promoting genera of the family Lachnospiraceae, as well as significant alterations in metabolic pathways regarding cell wall synthesis and the metabolism of nucleotide bases. An increase in the proportion of lymphocytes and a decrease in B12 vitamin levels was observed, as well as a risk of indigestion in certain athletes, which significantly resolved after seven days of supplementation in all athletes. It is unclear whether the observed effects are attributable to the sauerkraut’s own microbiome or its pre- and postbiotics since it is a whole food. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated that the concept of whole fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, could potentially be feasible and effective in sports nutrition for gut microbiota optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition–Microbiome Interaction in Healthy Metabolism)
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26 pages, 5180 KiB  
Article
Sugar Composition of Thai Desserts and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiome in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Sayamon Senaprom, Nuttaphat Namjud, Thunnicha Ondee, Akkarach Bumrungpert and Krit Pongpirul
Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3933; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223933 - 18 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Background: The relationship between consuming Thai desserts—predominantly composed of carbohydrates—and gut microbiome profiles remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of consuming various Thai desserts with different GI values on the gut microbiomes of healthy volunteers. Methods: This open-label, parallel randomized [...] Read more.
Background: The relationship between consuming Thai desserts—predominantly composed of carbohydrates—and gut microbiome profiles remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of consuming various Thai desserts with different GI values on the gut microbiomes of healthy volunteers. Methods: This open-label, parallel randomized clinical trial involved 30 healthy individuals aged 18 to 45 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Phetchaburi’s Custard Cake (192 g, low-GI group, n = 10), Saraburi’s Curry Puff (98 g, medium-GI group, n = 10), and Lampang’s Crispy Rice Cracker (68 g, high-GI group, n = 10), each consumed alongside their standard breakfast. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and 24 h post-intervention for metagenomic analysis of gut microbiome profiles using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: After 24 h, distinct trends in the relative abundance of various gut microbiota were observed among the dessert groups. In the high-GI dessert group, the abundance of Collinsella and Bifidobacterium decreased compared to the low- and medium-GI groups, while Roseburia and Ruminococcus showed slight increases. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between sugar intake and Lactobacillus abundance in the medium- and high-GI groups, but not in the low-GI group. Additionally, a moderately negative association was observed between Akkermansia abundance and sugar intake in the high-GI group. These bacteria are implicated in energy metabolism and insulin regulation. LEfSe analysis identified Porphyromonadaceae and Porphyromonas as core microbiota in the low-GI group, whereas Klebsiella was enriched in the high-GI group, with no predominant bacteria identified in the medium-GI group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Thai desserts with varying GI levels can influence specific gut bacteria, though these effects may be temporary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition–Microbiome Interaction in Healthy Metabolism)
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Review

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17 pages, 988 KiB  
Review
Myokines and Microbiota: New Perspectives in the Endocrine Muscle–Gut Axis
by Federica Saponaro, Andrea Bertolini, Riccardo Baragatti, Leonardo Galfo, Grazia Chiellini, Alessandro Saba and Giuseppina D’Urso
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4032; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234032 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2177
Abstract
This review explores the dual role of skeletal muscle as both a mechanical and endocrine organ, highlighting its contributions to overall health and its adaptability to various inputs such as nutrition, hormones, exercise, and injuries. In addition to its role in metabolism and [...] Read more.
This review explores the dual role of skeletal muscle as both a mechanical and endocrine organ, highlighting its contributions to overall health and its adaptability to various inputs such as nutrition, hormones, exercise, and injuries. In addition to its role in metabolism and energy conversion, skeletal muscle secretes signalling molecules called myokines (at rest) and exerkines (during/after physical exercise), which communicate with other organs like the brain, the cardiovascular system, and the immune system. Key molecules such as interleukins, irisin, and myostatin are discussed for their roles in mediating muscle health and inter-organ communication. This work also focuses on the muscle–gut axis, emphasising the bidirectional interaction between skeletal muscle and the gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem influencing immune defence, digestion, and metabolism. Muscle activity, particularly exercise, alters the gut microbial composition, promoting beneficial species, while gut-derived metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) impact muscle metabolism, mitochondrial function, and insulin sensitivity. Dysbiosis, or an imbalanced microbiota, can lead to muscle atrophy, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. This evidence highlights emerging research into myokines and exerkines as potential therapeutic targets for managing conditions like muscle decline, ageing, and metabolic diseases through muscle–gut interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition–Microbiome Interaction in Healthy Metabolism)
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