Current explorations of nutrition and the gut microbiome: a comprehensive evaluation of the review literature

Abstract Context The ability to measure the gut microbiome led to a surge in understanding and knowledge of its role in health and disease. The diet is a source of fuel for and influencer of composition of the microbiome. Objective To assess the understanding of the interactions between nutrition and the gut microbiome in healthy adults. Data Sources PubMed and Google Scholar searches were conducted in March and August 2018 and were limited to the following: English, 2010–2018, healthy adults, and reviews. Data Extraction A total of 86 articles were independently screened for duplicates and relevance, based on preidentified inclusion criteria. Data Analysis Research has focused on dietary fiber – microbiota fuel. The benefits of fiber center on short-chain fatty acids, which are required by colonocytes, improve absorption, and reduce intestinal transit time. Contrastingly, protein promotes microbial protein metabolism and potentially harmful by-products that can stagnate in the gut. The microbiota utilize and produce micronutrients; the bidirectional relationship between micronutrition and the gut microbiome is emerging. Conclusions Nutrition has profound effects on microbial composition, in turn affecting wide-ranging metabolic, hormonal, and neurological processes. There is no consensus on what defines a “healthy” gut microbiome. Future research must consider individual responses to diet.