Abstract
The human gut microbiota is considered a well-known complex ecosystem composed of distinct microbial populations, playing a significant role in most aspects of human health and wellness. Several factors such as infant transitions, dietary habits, age, consumption of probiotics and prebiotics, use of antibiotics, intestinal comorbidities, and even metabolic diseases may continously alter microbiota diversity and function. The study of vegan diet–microbiota interactions is a rapidly evolving field, since plenty of research has been focused on the potential effects of plant-based dietary patterns on the human gut microbiota. It has been reported that well-planned vegan diets and their associated components affect both the bacterial composition and metabolic pathways of gut microbiota. Certain benefits associated with medical disorders but also limitations (including nutritional deficiencies) have been documented. Although the vegan diet may be inadequate in calorific value, it is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidant vitamins. The aim of the present study was to provide an update of the existing knowledge on nutritional status of vegan diets and the influence of their food components on the human gut microbiota and health.
Highlights
During the last decades, plant-based and vegetarian eating patterns proven to be associated with several beneficial health outcomes have been adopted by an increasing proportion of individuals in Western societies [1,2]
If sun exposure and intake of fortified foods are insufficient to meet the nutrients requirements, vitamin D supplements are recommended, both for children and adults [18,57]
Vegan diets have been gaining in popularity among Western societies in recent years, as several clinical disorders and malignancies caused by the consumption of animal-based products still occur frequently in developed countries
Summary
Plant-based and vegetarian eating patterns proven to be associated with several beneficial health outcomes have been adopted by an increasing proportion of individuals in Western societies [1,2]. Vegetarian diets have become popular due to potential health benefits among adolescents and young adults, especially females; in a recent report, prevalence rates from 8% to 37% and from 1% to 12% in female and male Australian teenagers were quoted, respectively [22]. Several studies have demonstrated that plant-based diets have been associated with reductions in mortality rates [13], much research is needed on the long-term health of consumers [32]. The aim of the present study was to provide an update of the existing knowledge on nutritional status in vegan diets and their influence on human gut microbiota and health
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