Abstract
The gut microbiota performs several essential protective, structural, and metabolic functions for host health. The maintenance of a beneficial microbiota requires a homeostatic equilibrium within microbial communities, and between the microorganisms and the host. The gut microbiota composition may be affected by external factors, among them diet habits may be considered most important. In some pathological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease (CD), or neurological disorders (ND), specific dietary regimens as low-fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), ketogenic (KD), and gluten-free (GFD) diets are considered therapeutic. These kinds of diets are characterized by a reduction or exclusion of a specific nutrient from the entire dietary pattern. Despite these alimentary regimens showing beneficial effects on disease symptoms, they can affect microbiota composition, especially if they are protracted for a long time. To date, only a few studies have reported the effects of these diets on gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the effects of low-FODMAPs, KD, and GFD on gut microbiota modulation in pathological conditions, advancing the possibility of depicting a balanced diet and developing personalized dietary intervention protocols.
Highlights
Microbiota science has flourished in recent decades, and the exciting findings have led to reconsidering the role of the huge number of microorganisms that inhabit the human body and in particular the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
In another study, Di Cagno and colleagues described that a lower ratio of Bifidobacterium to Bacteroides and Enterobacteria, characteristic of celiac disease (CD) patients before diet, still persist under a gluten-free diet (GFD), confirming the hypothesis that a GFD only partially restores the imbalances of gut microbiota [50]
These results suggested that the changes in gut microbiota composition may be associated with different efficacy after ketogenic diet (KD), and that a specific gut microbiota may serve as an efficiency biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in patients with refractory epilepsy [67]
Summary
Microbiota science has flourished in recent decades, and the exciting findings have led to reconsidering the role of the huge number of microorganisms that inhabit the human body and in particular the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Low-fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) diet, gluten-free diet (GFD) and ketogenic diet (KD) are recommended for IBS, CD, and epilepsy, respectively. These diets are characterized by a reduction or exclusion of a specific nutrient from the entire dietary pattern. In low-FODMAPs diet, poorly absorbed or indigestible short-chain carbohydrates are reduced; in KD, carbohydrates are reduced; and in GFD, gluten is excluded Despite these alimentary regimens showing beneficial effects on disease symptoms, they can affect microbiota composition, especially if they are protracted. We highlight the effects of low-FODMAPs diet, KD and GFD, on gut microbiota, in the context of IBS, CD, or ND, discussing the possibility of restoring eubiotic conditions by probiotic supplementation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call