The Fruit in Alleviating Neurological Diseases via the Gut-Brain Axis

Abstract

Fruits, as an important component of a healthy diet, not only contain essential nutrients for daily life, but also contain various bioactive substances, which have beneficial effects on human health. Currently, research on fruit function has focused on fruit and gut microbiota. The gut microbiota affects many important functions of the body through metabolism. At present, the relationship between gut microbiota and brain diseases, metabolic diseases, etc. has become a research focus. In the study of fruits and gut microbiota, researchers have found that it is mainly through regulating the composition of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). It is currently known that disorder of SCFA in the gut is one of the important mechanisms for some diseases. Mental disorders such as depression and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are all associated with SCFA. Meanwhile, with the study of fruit and gut microbiota, it may be possible to prevent or even alleviate some neurological diseases by modifying the intake of fruits. In recent years, gut microbiota, ASD, and fruit intake have become important issue, and there are many related literature but a lack of systematic review. This paper analyzed the impact of different types of fruits on gut microbiota, as well as the disruption of SCFA caused by changes in gut microbiota in patients with neurological diseases. It also demonstrates that some bioactive substances can regulate SCFA, providing ideas for the treatment and alleviation of some diseases.