The impact of a western diet on gut microbiota and circadian rhythm: A comprehensive systematic review of in vivo preclinical evidence
Abstract
Aims Here, we present a systematic review that compiles in vivo experimental data regarding the effect of the WD on the gut microbiota and its impact on the circadian rhythm. Additionally, we reviewed studies evaluating the combined effects of WD and circadian cycle disruption on gut microbiota and circadian cycle markers. Materials and methods The original studies indexed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were screened according to the PRISMA strategy. Key findings Preclinical studies revealed that WD triggers circadian rhythmicity disruption, reduces the alpha-diversity of the microbiota and favors the growth of bacterial groups that are detrimental to intestinal homeostasis, such as Clostridaceae, Enterococcus, Parasutterella and Proteobacteria. When the WD is combined with circadian clock disruption, gut dysbiosis become more pronounced. Reduced cycling of Per3, Rev-erb and CLOCK in the intestine, which are related to dysregulation of lipid metabolism and potential metabolic disease, was observed. Significance In conclusion, current evidence supports the potential of WD to trigger microbiota dysregulation, disrupt the biological clock, and increase susceptibility to metabolic disorders and potentially chronic diseases.
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Alterations in gut microbiota composition affect metabolic regulation, microbial metabolite production, and inflammation, potentially predisposing individuals to metabolic, liver, and inflammatory disorders.
“This, in turn, affects metabolic regulation, microbial metabolite production, and inflammation, potentially predisposing individuals to metabolic, liver, and inflammatory disorders [99].”
From The Seven Methods for the Evaluation of Nutritional Status—ABCDEFG: Narrative Review (2026) · cites this paper as [99]
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The Seven Methods for the Evaluation of Nutritional Status—ABCDEFG: Narrative Review
Zambrano-Villacres, R., Arteaga-Pazmiño, C., Guevara Castillo, W. D., Herrera-Fontana, M. E., Domínguez Brito, L. D., Becerra Granados, L. M., Recoba-Obregón, P. E., Rodríguez-Veintimilla, D., Bressi, V., Andrade-Molina, D., et al. (2026) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app16020845 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
- Authors
- Moreira Gobis, M. D. L., Goulart de Souza-Silva, T., & de Almeida Paula, H. A.
- Venue
- Life Sciences
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2024-07
- Volume
- 349
- Pages
- 122741
- ISSN
- 0024-3205 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4398223992
- Cited by
- 18
- References
- 8
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 1
- FWCI
- 0.73
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Life Sciences (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
- Keywords
- Western diet, gut microbiota, circadian rhythm, circadian rhythm disruption, dysbiosis, microbial diversity, Enterococcus, Parasutterella, Proteobacteria, Per3, REV-ERB, clocks, metabolic disorders, obesity, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, short-chain fatty acids, pathobionts
- MeSH terms
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Animals, Circadian Rhythm, Humans, Metabolic Diseases, Dysbiosis, Diet, Western
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