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Cell Aug 2021Diet modulates the gut microbiome, which in turn can impact the immune system. Here, we determined how two microbiota-targeted dietary interventions, plant-based fiber... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Diet modulates the gut microbiome, which in turn can impact the immune system. Here, we determined how two microbiota-targeted dietary interventions, plant-based fiber and fermented foods, influence the human microbiome and immune system in healthy adults. Using a 17-week randomized, prospective study (n = 18/arm) combined with -omics measurements of microbiome and host, including extensive immune profiling, we found diet-specific effects. The high-fiber diet increased microbiome-encoded glycan-degrading carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes) despite stable microbial community diversity. Although cytokine response score (primary outcome) was unchanged, three distinct immunological trajectories in high-fiber consumers corresponded to baseline microbiota diversity. Alternatively, the high-fermented-food diet steadily increased microbiota diversity and decreased inflammatory markers. The data highlight how coupling dietary interventions to deep and longitudinal immune and microbiome profiling can provide individualized and population-wide insight. Fermented foods may be valuable in countering the decreased microbiome diversity and increased inflammation pervasive in industrialized society.
Topics: Biodiversity; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fermented Foods; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Immunity; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 34256014
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019 -
Nutrients Oct 2020Dietary fibre consists of non-digestible forms of carbohydrate, usually as polysaccharides that originate from plant-based foods. Over recent decades, our diet within... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dietary fibre consists of non-digestible forms of carbohydrate, usually as polysaccharides that originate from plant-based foods. Over recent decades, our diet within Westernised societies has changed radically from that of our hominid ancestors, with implications for our co-evolved gut microbiota. This includes increased ingestion of ultra-processed foods that are typically impoverished of dietary fibre, and associated reduction in the intake of fibre-replete plant-based foods. Over recent decades, there has been a transformation in our understanding of the health benefits of dietary fibre.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the current medical literature on the health benefits of dietary fibre, with a focus on overall metabolic health.
DATA SOURCES
We performed a narrative review, based on relevant articles written in English from a PubMed search, using the terms 'dietary fibre and metabolic health'.
RESULTS
In the Western world, our diets are impoverished of fibre. Dietary fibre intake associates with overall metabolic health (through key pathways that include insulin sensitivity) and a variety of other pathologies that include cardiovascular disease, colonic health, gut motility and risk for colorectal carcinoma. Dietary fibre intake also correlates with mortality. The gut microflora functions as an important mediator of the beneficial effects of dietary fibre, including the regulation of appetite, metabolic processes and chronic inflammatory pathways.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple factors contribute to our fibre-impoverished modern diet. Given the plethora of scientific evidence that corroborate the multiple and varied health benefits of dietary fibre, and the risks associated with a diet that lacks fibre, the optimization of fibre within our diets represents an important public health strategy to improve both metabolic and overall health. If implemented successfully, this strategy would likely result in substantial future health benefits for the population.
Topics: Adiposity; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Colorectal Neoplasms; Depression; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Eating; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastrointestinal Motility; Health; Humans; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Mortality; Obesity
PubMed: 33096647
DOI: 10.3390/nu12103209 -
An approach to the diagnosis and management of Rome IV functional disorders of chronic constipation.Expert Review of Gastroenterology &... Jan 2020: Chronic constipation is highly prevalent, affecting between 10% and 15% of the population. The Rome IV criteria categorizes disorders of chronic constipation into four... (Review)
Review
: Chronic constipation is highly prevalent, affecting between 10% and 15% of the population. The Rome IV criteria categorizes disorders of chronic constipation into four subtypes: (a) functional constipation, (b) irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, (c) opioid-induced constipation, and (d) functional defecation disorders, including inadequate defecatory propulsion and dyssynergic defecation. The initial management approach for these disorders is similar, focusing on diet, lifestyle and the use of standard over-the-counter laxatives. If unsuccessful, further therapy is tailored according to subtype.: This review covers the definition, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, investigations and management of the Rome IV disorders of chronic constipation.: By adopting a logical step-wise approach toward the diagnosis of chronic constipation and its individual subtypes, clinicians have the opportunity to tailor therapy accordingly and improve symptoms, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Constipation; Defecation; Dietary Fiber; Exercise; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Laxatives
PubMed: 31893959
DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2020.1708718 -
Nutrients May 2021Dietary fibre has long been established as a nutritionally important, health-promoting food ingredient. Modern dietary practices have seen a significant reduction in... (Review)
Review
Dietary fibre has long been established as a nutritionally important, health-promoting food ingredient. Modern dietary practices have seen a significant reduction in fibre consumption compared with ancestral habits. This is related to the emergence of low-fibre "Western diets" associated with industrialised nations, and is linked to an increased prevalence of gut diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The characteristic metabolic parameters of these individuals include insulin resistance, high fasting and postprandial glucose, as well as high plasma cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Gut microbial signatures are also altered significantly in these cohorts, suggesting a causative link between diet, microbes and disease. Dietary fibre consumption has been hypothesised to reverse these changes through microbial fermentation and the subsequent production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which improves glucose and lipid parameters in individuals who harbour diseases associated with dysfunctional metabolism. This review article examines how different types of dietary fibre can differentially alter glucose and lipid metabolism through changes in gut microbiota composition and function.
Topics: Dietary Fiber; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glucose; Humans; Lipid Metabolism
PubMed: 34068353
DOI: 10.3390/nu13051655 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Feb 2023Functional constipation (FC) is considered the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children with a pooled global prevalence of 14.4% (95% confidence... (Review)
Review
Functional constipation (FC) is considered the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children with a pooled global prevalence of 14.4% (95% confidence interval: 11.2-17.6) when diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are thought be multifactorial and complicated, resulting in difficult management. Currently, the most effective medication, when used in parallel with toilet training, is osmotic laxatives. Children's adherence to medication and parental concern regarding long-term laxative use are the main contributors to treatment failure. Recently, novel therapies with a high safety profile have been developed, such as probiotics, synbiotics, serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonists, chloride channel activators, and herbal and transitional medicines; nonetheless, well-designed research to support the use of these therapies is needed. This review aims to focus on multiple aspects of FC in children, including global prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, tools, as well as conventional and novel treatment options, such as non-pharmacological management, including adequate fiber and fluid intake, physiotherapy, or neuromodulators. We also report that in very difficult cases, surgical intervention may be required.
Topics: Child; Humans; Dietary Fiber; Constipation; Laxatives; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physicians
PubMed: 36925458
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i8.1261 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021Dietary fiber is a widely recognized nutrient for human health. Previous studies proved that dietary fiber has significant implications for gastrointestinal health by... (Review)
Review
Dietary fiber is a widely recognized nutrient for human health. Previous studies proved that dietary fiber has significant implications for gastrointestinal health by regulating the gut microbiota. Moreover, mechanistic research showed that the physiological functions of different dietary fibers depend to a great extent on their physicochemical characteristics, one of which is solubility. Compared with insoluble dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber can be easily accessed and metabolized by fiber-degrading microorganisms in the intestine and produce a series of beneficial and functional metabolites. In this review, we outlined the structures, characteristics, and physiological functions of soluble dietary fibers as important nutrients. We particularly focused on the effects of soluble dietary fiber on human health via regulating the gut microbiota and reviewed their effects on dietary and clinical interventions.
Topics: Dietary Fiber; Energy Intake; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Ligands; Molecular Structure; Polysaccharides; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Satiation; Solubility
PubMed: 34833893
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226802 -
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers Mar 2020Diverticula are outpouchings of the intestinal wall and are common anatomical alterations detected in the human colon. Colonic diverticulosis (the presence of... (Review)
Review
Diverticula are outpouchings of the intestinal wall and are common anatomical alterations detected in the human colon. Colonic diverticulosis (the presence of diverticula in the colon; referred to as diverticulosis) remains asymptomatic in most individuals but ~25% of individuals will develop symptomatic diverticulosis, termed colonic diverticular disease (also known as diverticular disease). Diverticular disease can range in severity from symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) to symptomatic disease with complications such as acute diverticulitis or diverticular haemorrhage. Since the early 2000s, a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of diverticulosis and diverticular disease, which encompasses genetic alterations, chronic low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis, has led to improvements in diagnosis and management. Diagnosis of diverticular disease relies on imaging approaches, such as ultrasonography, CT and MRI, as biomarkers alone are insufficient to establish a diagnosis despite their role in determining disease severity and progression as well as in differential diagnosis. Treatments for diverticular disease include dietary fibre, pharmacological treatments such as antibiotics (rifaximin), anti-inflammatory drugs (mesalazine) and probiotics, alone or in combination, and eventually surgery. Despite being effective in treating primary disease, their effectiveness in primary and secondary prevention of complications is still uncertain.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers; Diagnostic Imaging; Dietary Fiber; Diverticulosis, Colonic; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Gastroparesis; Humans; Probiotics
PubMed: 32218442
DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-0153-5 -
Nutrients Oct 2020The consumption of whole grain products is often related to beneficial effects on consumer health. Dietary fibre is an important component present in whole grains and is... (Review)
Review
The consumption of whole grain products is often related to beneficial effects on consumer health. Dietary fibre is an important component present in whole grains and is believed to be (at least partially) responsible for these health benefits. The dietary fibre composition of whole grains is very distinct over different grains. Whole grains of cereals and pseudo-cereals are rich in both soluble and insoluble functional dietary fibre that can be largely classified as e.g., cellulose, arabinoxylan, β-glucan, xyloglucan and fructan. However, even though the health benefits associated with the consumption of dietary fibre are well known to scientists, producers and consumers, the consumption of dietary fibre and whole grains around the world is substantially lower than the recommended levels. This review will discuss the types of dietary fibre commonly found in cereals and pseudo-cereals, their nutritional significance and health benefits observed in animal and human studies.
Topics: Animals; Cellulose; Chronic Disease; Dietary Fiber; Edible Grain; Glucans; Health Promotion; Humans; Nutritive Value; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Whole Grains; Xylans; beta-Glucans
PubMed: 33027944
DOI: 10.3390/nu12103045 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2021Functional constipation (FC) is a pervasive problem in pediatrics. Although pharmaceuticals are commonly used for FC, parents and patients show reluctance or find... (Review)
Review
Functional constipation (FC) is a pervasive problem in pediatrics. Although pharmaceuticals are commonly used for FC, parents and patients show reluctance or find dissatisfaction with available medications at times. Further, patients often have interest in utilizing nutraceutical supplements and botanicals that are available over the counter. This literature review aims to summarize research studies performed on non-pharmacologic approaches to constipation and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these modalities. Overall data on non-pharmacologic treatments for childhood constipation were sparse, and though some studies were available for adult populations, pediatrics studies were generally limited, lacking or flawed. Certain supplements, such as prebiotics, probiotics and fiber, are safe and are without significant side effects. Though fiber supplements such as glucomannan, green banana mass, cocao husk and various fiber blends have emerging evidence in children, evidence for psyllium, cellulose and flaxseed only have supportive studies in adults. Other than senna, studies of botanicals indicate significant safety concerns (in particular with Aloe vera with aloin and Cascara sagrada) and insufficient evidence. For patients with a significant behavioral or anxiety component to their FC and exhibit dyssynergia, mind-body interventions (e.g. diaphragmatic breathing, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral modifications) are certainly safe and effective. Finally, movement and manipulative interventions such as abdominal massage, reflexology, acupuncture and transcutaneous nerve stimulation show promise in the field of pediatric constipation, and data is accumulating for efficacy. These modalities require further study to determine mechanisms of action and which populations may benefit the most from these therapies.
Topics: Adult; Child; Constipation; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Laxatives; Pediatrics; Psyllium
PubMed: 33737146
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102711 -
Central European Journal of Public... Sep 2019Trends in dietary nutrition and their personalization are progress in medical science and point out the necessity of adaptation and development of innovations in health... (Review)
Review
Trends in dietary nutrition and their personalization are progress in medical science and point out the necessity of adaptation and development of innovations in health system. The main objective of this article is to review the role of dietary fibre as prebiotics in nutrition with different functionality, its influence on modulation of intestinal microbiota, which has an essential role in maintenance of healthy organisms in people of all ages.
Topics: Diet; Dietary Fiber; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Nutritional Status; Prebiotics
PubMed: 31580563
DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a5313