Research published in Nature Communications has shown that intermittent fasting and protein pacing can increase gut microbiome diversity compared to a calorie-restricted heart-healthy diet.
This discovery could have significant implications for understanding the connection between gut microbiota and metabolism and may lead to new strategies for managing obesity.
The gut microbiome, a diverse population of microorganisms living in the intestine, plays a crucial role in regulating body weight and overall health. Nutrient availability can greatly impact this balance.
Calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and protein pacing affect body weight, but their influence on the gut microbiome has been less clear.
In a small study, 41 overweight or obese individuals followed either a Mediterranean-style calorie-restricted diet or a calorie-restriction regimen that included intermittent fasting and protein pacing (IF-P diet) over an eight-week period.
The results showed that those on the IF-P diet had higher gut microbiota diversity, reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, and greater reductions in visceral fat compared to the calorie-restricted group. Specifically, the IF-P diet increased certain gut bacteria associated with a leaner body shape.
Dr. Duane Mellor, a dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, noted that the high fiber content of the IF-P diet may explain the differences seen in gastrointestinal health and gut microbiome.
While the study had limitations, such as its small size and reliance on supplements, the findings suggest a need for further investigation into the metabolic interactions between diet and the gut microbiota.
About the Experts
Duane Mellor: Mellor is an award-winning Registered Dietitian and Science Communicator, with research interests in improving nutrition and health through traditional foods and addressing social inequalities.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
