Effects of dietary fibers, micronutrients, and phytonutrients on gut microbiome: a review

AbstractThe human gastrointestinal tract harbors a magnitude of bacteria, which are collectively known as the gut microbiome. Research has demonstrated that the gut microbiome significantly impacts the health of its host and alters the host’s risk for various chronic diseases. Many factors, such as diet, could potentially be manipulated to alter the host gut microbiome and induce subsequent preventative and/or therapeutic effects. It has been established that diet partakes in the regulation and maintenance of the gut microbiome; however, specific crosstalk between the microbiome, gut, and host has not been clearly elucidated in relation to diet. In this review of the scientific literature, we outline current knowledge of the differential effects of major plant-derived dietary constituents (fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals) on the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Environmental Chemicals on the Gut Microbiome

Toxicological Sciences ◽

10.1093/toxsci/kfaa065 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 176 (2) ◽

pp. 253-284 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Karen Chiu ◽

Genoa Warner ◽

Romana A Nowak ◽

Jodi A Flaws ◽

Wenyan Mei

Keyword(s):

Gut Microbiome ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Environmental Chemicals ◽

Microbial Composition ◽

Multiple Factors ◽

Microbiome Research ◽

Health Related ◽

Exogenous Factors ◽

The Impact ◽

Insight Into

Abstract Since the surge of microbiome research in the last decade, many studies have provided insight into the causes and consequences of changes in the gut microbiota. Among the multiple factors involved in regulating the microbiome, exogenous factors such as diet and environmental chemicals have been shown to alter the gut microbiome significantly. Although diet substantially contributes to changes in the gut microbiome, environmental chemicals are major contaminants in our food and are often overlooked. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on major classes of environmental chemicals (bisphenols, phthalates, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and pesticides) and their impact on the gut microbiome, which includes alterations in microbial composition, gene expression, function, and health effects in the host. We then discuss health-related implications of gut microbial changes, which include changes in metabolism, immunity, and neurological function.

Download Full-text

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, a Bioactive Agent for Gastrointestinal Health: A Review

10.20944/preprints202102.0592.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ezequiel Coscueta ◽

Ana Sofia Sousa ◽

Celso Reis ◽

Manuela Pintado

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Bioactive Compound ◽

Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽

Scientific Development ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate ◽

Cruciferous Vegetable ◽

Gastrointestinal Health ◽

Considerable Morbidity

The incidence of gastrointestinal diseases (cancer in particular) has increased progressively with considerable morbidity, mortality, and a high economic impact on the healthcare system. Dietary intake of natural bioactive phytochemicals showed to have cancer-preventing and therapeutic effects. This includes the cruciferous vegetable derivative phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a bioactive compound from watercress. PEITC antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties are of particular importance. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of PEITC as a potential natural nutraceutical or an adjuvant against oxidative/inflammatory-related disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. We also discuss the safe and recommended dose of PEITC. Besides, we establish a framework to guide the research and development of sustainable methodologies for obtaining and stabilizing this natural nutraceutical for industrial use. This is a topic that still needs more scientific development, but with the potential to lead to a viable strategy in the prevention of cancer and other associated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Download Full-text

Tart Cherries and health: Current knowledge and need for a better understanding of the fate of phytochemicals in the human gastrointestinal tract

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition ◽

10.1080/10408398.2017.1384918 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 59 (4) ◽

pp. 626-638 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mayta-Apaza Alba C. ◽

Marasini Daya ◽

Carbonero Franck

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Human Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Tart Cherries

Download Full-text

Streptococcus thermophilus: To Survive, or Not to Survive the Gastrointestinal Tract, That Is the Question!

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082175 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2175

Author(s):

Anđela Martinović ◽

Riccardo Cocuzzi ◽

Stefania Arioli ◽

Diego Mora

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

World Wide ◽

Intervention Studies ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Streptococcus Thermophilus ◽

Streptococcus Salivarius ◽

Human Gastrointestinal Tract ◽

Scientific Validity ◽

Stool Samples

The probiotic market is increasing world-wide as well as the number of products marketed as probiotics. Among the latter, many products contain Streptococcus thermophilus strains at several dosages. However, the scientific evidence that should support the probiotic status of those S. thermophilus strains is often contradictory. This review analyses the scientific literature aimed to assess the ability of S. thermophilus strains to survive the human gastrointestinal tract by discussing the scientific validity of the methods applied for the bacterial recovery and identification from stool samples. This review highlights that in most of the intervention studies reviewed, the identification of S. thermophilus strains from stools was not carried out with the necessary taxonomic accuracy to avoid their misidentification with Streptococcus salivarius, a common human commensal and a species phylogenetically close to S. thermophilus. Moreover, this review highlights how critical the accurate taxonomic identification of S. thermophilus in metagenomics-based studies can be.

Download Full-text