Abstract
Simple SummarySalivary microbiota has been shown to be individualized and influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including macronutrient intake and lifestyle. Herein, the effect of two long-term dietary patterns, the Mediterranean and the vegan diet, was analyzed on oral microbiota composition and metabolic profile of human subjects. Moreover, we correlated microbial species to metabolic parameters. Subjects following the Mediterranean diet had a wider spectrum of oral bacteria and a better metabolic profile compared to the vegan diet, confirming the positive effects of a Mediterranean diet.Salivary microbiota, comprising bacteria shed from oral surfaces, has been shown to be individualized, temporally stable, and influenced by macronutrient intake and lifestyle. Nevertheless, the effect of long-term dietary patterns on oral microbiota composition and the relationship between oral microbiota composition and metabolic rate remains to be examined. Herein, salivary microbiota composition and metabolic profile were analyzed in human subjects with vegan (VEG) or Mediterranean (MED) long-term dietary patterns. MED subjects presented significantly higher percentages of Subflava and Prevotella species as compared to VEG ones. Moreover, MED subjects showed a lower carbohydrate and a higher lipid consumption than VEG subjects, and, accordingly, a significantly higher basal metabolic rate (BMR) and a lower respiratory quotient (RQ). Prevotella abundance was demonstrated to be inversely related to RQ and carbohydrate consumption, whereas Subflava percentages were demonstrated to be positively correlated to BMR. Lactobacillus abundance, which was inversely related to Subflava presence in MED subjects, was associated with decreased BMR (Harris–Benedict) values. Overall, our data evidence the influence of macronutrient intake on metabolic profile and oral microbiota and confirm the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet on BMR and on the abundance of microbial species associated with a better macronutrient metabolism.
Highlights
The gut microbiota is a complex dynamic ecosystem composed by different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protists [1]
The main findings of our work are as follows: (i) the Mediterranean diet was associated with a significantly higher basal metabolic rate (BMR) and a lower respiratory quotient (RQ), and with a lower carbohydrate consumption and a higher lipid consumption with respect to the vegan diet; (ii) MED subjects presented significantly higher percentages of Subflava and Prevotella species compared to VEG subjects; and (iii) salivary Lactobacillus abundance was positively correlated with Streptococcus and inversely related to Subflava abundance
Prevotella abundance was inversely related to BMI, to RQ, and to CHO%, and positively related to Lipids%; and (iii) Lactobacillus abundance was positively correlated with BMR Harris–Benedict in VEG subjects and inversely correlated in MED
Summary
The gut microbiota is a complex dynamic ecosystem composed by different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protists [1]. These microorganisms interact with each other and with the human host, and actively affect different host functions, including circadian rhythmicity, nutritional responses, metabolism, and immunity [2]. Despite the risk of an insufficient caloric intake, the vegan diet is usually rich in fibers, polyphenols, and antioxidant vitamins, and these nutrients positively affect the intestinal microenvironment [5]. The increased polyphenol intake favors the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus with consequent anti-inflammatory effects [6]
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