Abstract
During pregnancy, changes occur to influence the maternal gut microbiome, and potentially the fetal microbiome. Diet has been shown to impact the gut microbiome. Little research has been conducted examining diet during pregnancy with respect to the gut microbiome. To meet inclusion criteria, dietary analyses must have been conducted as part of the primary aim. The primary outcome was the composition of the gut microbiome (infant or maternal), as assessed using culture-independent sequencing techniques. This review identified seven studies for inclusion, five examining the maternal gut microbiome and two examining the fetal gut microbiome. Microbial data were attained through analysis of stool samples by 16S rRNA gene-based microbiota assessment. Studies found an association between the maternal diet and gut microbiome. High-fat diets (% fat of total energy), fat-soluble vitamins (mg/day) and fibre (g/day) were the most significant nutrients associated with the gut microbiota composition of both neonates and mothers. High-fat diets were significantly associated with a reduction in microbial diversity. High-fat diets may reduce microbial diversity, while fibre intake may be positively associated with microbial diversity. The results of this review must be interpreted with caution. The number of studies was low, and the risk of observational bias and heterogeneity across the studies must be considered. However, these results show promise for dietary intervention and microbial manipulation in order to favour an increase of health-associated taxa in the gut of the mother and her offspring.
Highlights
Advancements in the past decade in next-generation sequencing and associated bioinformatics analyses have facilitated a more in-depth study of the human gut ‘microbiome’; a word coined to describe the overall community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract [1]
In non-pregnant cohorts the dietary macronutrients fat and fibre have most commonly been demonstrated to be able to cause a shift in microbial diversity, with fibre consumption associated with beneficial effects [9; 10; 11]
Each of the studies included in this review demonstrate the important influence of maternal diet in pregnancy in modulating the gut microbiome of mother and infant, both beneficially and detrimentally
Summary
Advancements in the past decade in next-generation sequencing and associated bioinformatics analyses have facilitated a more in-depth study of the human gut ‘microbiome’; a word coined to describe the overall community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract [1]. Diet and dietary patterns have been shown to rapidly alter microbial diversity and in turn influence host physiology [7; 8]. Diets high in fibre have been shown to have the ability to increase the relevant abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria [13]. Decreased diversity is linked to a phenomenon called dysbiosis (a disruption of normal gut microbiota); diversity is involved in the survival and adaptability of any ecosystem, the microbiome being no exception [15]. Diets such as the Western diet are associated with decreased microbial diversity [12; 16]
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