Abstract
The composition and functioning of the gut microbiota, the complex population of microorganisms residing in the intestine, is strongly affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, among which diet is key. Important perturbations of the microbiota have been observed to contribute to disease risk, as in the case of neurological disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, among others. Although mechanisms are not fully clarified, nutrients interacting with the microbiota are thought to affect host metabolism, immune response or disrupt the protective functions of the intestinal barrier. Similarly, key intermediaries, whose presence may be strongly influenced by dietary habits, sustain the communication along the gut-brain-axis, influencing brain functions in the same way as the brain influences gut activity. Due to the role of diet in the modulation of the microbiota, its composition is of high interest in inherited errors of metabolism (IEMs) and may reveal an appealing therapeutic target. In IEMs, for example in phenylketonuria (PKU), since part of the therapeutic intervention is based on chronic or life-long tailored dietetic regimens, important variations of the microbial diversity or relative abundance have been observed. A holistic approach, including a healthy composition of the microbiota, is recommended to modulate host metabolism and affected neurological functions.
Highlights
Gut microbiota is defined as the complex population of microorganisms residing in the intestine with the highest concentrations being found in the colon [1]
The study results suggest that in patients as well as in matched controls, the differences in the microbiota composition between patients and their matched controls may be ascribed to different dietary habits, such as the percentage of calories deriving from carbohydrates and lipids, the percentage of proteins and amino acids (AAs) coming from products of high biological value, and the intake of selenium, in addition to different Phe circulating levels
In general terms it is known that a dysbiosis, an impairment of the microbiota favouring an abnormal growth of some microbial species over other ones or a reduced microbial diversity resulting in diminished abundance of some important species, has the potential to affect the health of human subjects
Summary
Gut microbiota is defined as the complex population of microorganisms residing in the intestine with the highest concentrations being found in the colon [1]. The importance of the microbiota has been extensively studied, with particular attention to the implications it has on animal and human health. Diet has been identified as a major factor influencing gut microbiota composition and function, and all the diseases that require a dietary intervention as part of their therapeutic approach represent a target for both the research and treatment options. A summary of the influence of food constituents as well as different dietary approaches may have on the microbiota follows
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