Going with the grain: Fiber, cognition, and the microbiota-gut-brain-axis

2021 ◽  
pp. 153537022199578
Author(s):  
Kirsten Berding ◽  
Carina Carbia ◽  
John F Cryan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact

Healthy dietary intake has been acknowledged for decades as one of the main contributors to health. More recently, the field of nutritional psychiatry has progressed our understanding regarding the importance of nutrition in supporting mental health and cognitive function. Thereby, individual nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, have been recognized to be key drivers in this relationship. With the progress in appreciating the influence of dietary fiber on health, increasingly research is focusing on deciphering its role in brain processes. However, while the importance of dietary fiber in gastrointestinal and metabolic health is well established, leading to the development of associated health claims, the evidence is not conclusive enough to support similar claims regarding cognitive function. Albeit the increasing knowledge of the impact of dietary fiber on mental health, only a few human studies have begun to shed light onto the underexplored connection between dietary fiber and cognition. Moreover, the microbiota-gut-brain axis has emerged as a key conduit for the effects of nutrition on the brain, especially fibers, that are acted on by specific bacteria to produce a variety of health-promoting metabolites. These metabolites (including short chain fatty acids) as well as the vagus nerve, the immune system, gut hormones, or the kynurenine pathway have been proposed as underlying mechanisms of the microbiota-brain crosstalk. In this minireview, we summarize the evidence available from human studies on the association between dietary fiber intake and cognitive function. We provide an overview of potential underlying mechanisms and discuss remaining questions that need to be answered in future studies. While this field is moving at a fast pace and holds promise for future important discoveries, especially data from human cohorts are required to further our understanding and drive the development of public health recommendations regarding dietary fiber in brain health.

scholarly journals The Combined Effects of Magnesium Oxide and Inulin on Intestinal Microbiota and Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Kanako Omori ◽  
Hiroki Miyakawa ◽  
Aya Watanabe ◽  
Yuki Nakayama ◽  
Yijin Lyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Magnesium Oxide ◽  
Acid Concentration ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Acetic Acid Concentration ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

Constipation is a common condition that occurs in many people worldwide. While magnesium oxide (MgO) is often used as the first-line drug for chronic constipation in Japan, dietary fiber intake is also recommended. Dietary fiber is fermented by microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are involved in regulating systemic physiological functions and circadian rhythm. We examined the effect of combining MgO and the water-soluble dietary fiber, inulin, on cecal SCFA concentration and microbiota in mice. We also examined the MgO administration timing effect on cecal SCFAs. The cecal SCFA concentrations were measured by gas chromatography, and the microbiota was determined using next-generation sequencing. Inulin intake decreased cecal pH and increased cecal SCFA concentrations while combining MgO increased the cecal pH lowered by inulin and decreased the cecal SCFA concentrations elevated by inulin. When inulin and MgO were combined, significant changes in the microbiota composition were observed compared with inulin alone. The MgO effect on the cecal acetic acid concentration was less when administered at ZT12 than at ZT0. In conclusion, this study suggests that MgO affects cecal SCFA and microbiota during inulin feeding, and the effect on acetic acid concentration is time-dependent.

scholarly journals Milk Fatty Acid Profiles in Different Animal Species: Focus on the Potential Effect of Selected PUFAs on Metabolism and Brain Functions

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1111
Author(s):  
Maria P. Mollica ◽  
Giovanna Trinchese ◽  
Fabiano Cimmino ◽  
Eduardo Penna ◽  
Gina Cavaliere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Impact

Milk contains several important nutrients that are beneficial for human health. This review considers the nutritional qualities of essential fatty acids (FAs), especially omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present in milk from ruminant and non-ruminant species. In particular, the impact of milk fatty acids on metabolism is discussed, including its effects on the central nervous system. In addition, we presented data indicating how animal feeding—the main way to modify milk fat composition—may have a potential impact on human health, and how rearing and feeding systems strongly affect milk quality within the same animal species. Finally, we have presented the results of in vivo studies aimed at supporting the beneficial effects of milk FA intake in animal models, and the factors limiting their transferability to humans were discussed.

scholarly journals The impact of long-term dietary pattern of fecal donor on in vitro fecal fermentation properties of inulin

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 1805-1813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyi Yang ◽  
Devin J. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Processed Meats ◽  
Branched Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Fiber Plant ◽  
Branched Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Chain Fatty Acids

A diet high in whole grains, dry beans, and certain vegetables that contributed dietary fiber, plant protein, and B vitamins resulted in high short chain fatty acids, while a diet high in diary and processed meats that provided cholesterol and little fiber resulted in high branched chain fatty acids and ammonia during fecal fermentation of inulin.

scholarly journals Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein/Zeaxanthin, or Other Nutrient Supplementation on Cognitive Function

JAMA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 314 (8) ◽  
pp. 791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Y. Chew ◽  
Traci E. Clemons ◽  
Elvira Agrón ◽  
Lenore J. Launer ◽  
Francine Grodstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Nutrient Supplementation

scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

scholarly journals Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibit the Function of Human URAT1, a Renal Urate Re-Absorber

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Saito ◽  
Yu Toyoda ◽  
Tappei Takada ◽  
Hiroshi Hirata ◽  
Ami Ota-Kontani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Serum Urate ◽  
The Body ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Uricosuric Agents ◽  
Transport Assay ◽  
The Impact

The beneficial effects of fatty acids (FAs) on human health have attracted widespread interest. However, little is known about the impact of FAs on the handling of urate, the end-product of human purine metabolism, in the body. Increased serum urate levels occur in hyperuricemia, a disease that can lead to gout. In humans, urate filtered by the glomerulus of the kidney is majorly re-absorbed from primary urine into the blood via the urate transporter 1 (URAT1)-mediated pathway. URAT1 inhibition, thus, contributes to decreasing serum urate concentration by increasing net renal urate excretion. Here, we investigated the URAT1-inhibitory effects of 25 FAs that are commonly contained in foods or produced in the body. For this purpose, we conducted an in vitro transport assay using cells transiently expressing URAT1. Our results showed that unsaturated FAs, especially long-chain unsaturated FAs, inhibited URAT1 more strongly than saturated FAs. Among the tested unsaturated FAs, eicosapentaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid exhibited substantial URAT1-inhibitory activities, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 6.0, 14.2, and 15.2 μM, respectively. Although further studies are required to investigate whether the ω-3 polyunsaturated FAs can be employed as uricosuric agents, our findings further confirm FAs as nutritionally important substances influencing human health.

scholarly journals Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fecundation, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 160-164
Author(s):  
Carlos Alberto Politano ◽  
Jorge López-Berroa
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Fetal Development ◽  
Premature Delivery ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acids ◽  
Long Chain

AbstractLong-chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as the eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, have been linked to human health in all stages of life, from fetal development to aging. These PUFAs act as precursors for various metabolites involved in the prevention of certain diseases. The recognizable effects of these supplements prior to pregnancy (oocyte maturation), during pregnancy (improvement in the risk of premature delivery, among others) and in the offspring (in terms of cognitive function and the approach to neurodevelopmental disorders) are described in the present narrative review. We concluded that the diffusion of these supplements may improve the prognosis of these patients in a simple, effective way, and with high safety rates.

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