Diet drives quick changes in the metabolic activity and composition of human gut microbiota in a validated in vitro gut model
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The aim of this study was to screen how rapidly the human gut microbiota responds to diet in an in vitro model of the proximal colon (TIM-2 system). Two experimental diets were provided to the gut bacteria: a high carbohydrate and a high protein diet. The metabolic response and the composition of the microbiota were compared to a control diet simulating an average western meal. Short-chain and branched-chain fatty acids (SCFA and BCFA, respectively) production, in addition to changes in the community composition (profiling), were measured. The activity of the microbiota reflected differences between diets, exhibiting a trade-off between saccharolytic and proteolytic fermentation when compared to the control. Diversity analysis revealed a phylum-specific response depending on the diet tested. Most changes in the microbiome composition occurred during the first 24 h of the experiment. The outcome of this study elucidates the fact that human gut bacteria quickly respond to changes in diet. In addition, it confirms that variations in the concentration of carbohydrates and proteins modify the activity and composition of the microbiota, and these changes can potentially have an impact on the health of the host.
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Short term consumption of a mostly animal or mostly plant diet can dramatically alter the microbiota composition and function, as fast as 24 hours.
“Short term consumption of a mostly animal or mostly plant diet can dramatically alter the microbiota composition and function [26], as fast as 24 hours [27].”
From Exercise-induced stress behavior, gut-microbiota-brain axis and diet: a systematic review for athletes (2016) · cites this paper as [27]
Microbial-derived BCFAs, isovalerate, and isobutyrate have been linked to epithelial physiology and the mucosal immune system.
“Microbial-derived BCFAs, isovalerate, and isobutyrate have been linked to epithelial physiology and the mucosal immune system (380, 382, 383).”
From Diet and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health (2021) · cites this paper as [380]
BCFAs could be especially important microbial messengers in scenarios of high-protein, low-complex carbohydrate consumption, as studies have shown that consumption of these diets can increase microbial production of BCFAs.
“BCFAs could be especially important microbial messengers in scenarios of high-protein, low-complex carbohydrate (i.e., dietary fiber) consumption, as studies have shown that consumption of these diets can increase the microbial production of BCFAs (121, 380, 381).”
From Diet and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health (2021) · cites this paper as [380]
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“Short term consumption of a mostly animal or mostly plant diet can dramatically alter the microbiota composition and function [26], as fast as 24 hours [27].”
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- Authors
- Aguirre, M., Eck, A., Koenen, M. E., Savelkoul, P. H. M., Budding, A. E., & Venema, K.
- Affiliations
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (NL)
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Venema, Koen
- Venue
- Research in Microbiology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2016-02
- Volume
- 167
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 114-125
- ISSN
- 0769-2609 (ISSN-L)
- 0923-2508
- OpenAlex
- W1795989887
- Cited by
- 204
- References
- 56
- Citations by year
- 2026: 14 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 26 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 35 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 3.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Research in Microbiology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
- Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (publishedVersion)
- TNO Repository (submittedVersion)
- Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion)
- Repository hosted by TU Delft Library (TU Delft) (submittedVersion)
- Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
- Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Top Institute Food & Nutrition
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gut microbiota and health
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Infant Nutrition and Health
- Keywords
- gut microbiota, diet, proximal colon, in vitro gut model, high-carbohydrate diet, high-protein diet, short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain fatty acids, microbial fermentation, microbiota composition, microbial diversity
- MeSH terms
- Colon, Diet, Fatty Acids, Fermentation, Humans, Models, Theoretical, Time Factors, Biota
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