Microbiome rundown: Artificial sweeteners, exercise alter gut bacteria; FMT shows promise

Healio has kept an eye on the latest research regarding the gut microbiome’s role in gastrointestinal diseases and how the microbiota can be altered. Did you miss an update? Healio recaps notable data this year and what they mean for you.

There have been several developments in microbiome research, including the “first-ever” study on artificial sweeteners, insights into the daily rhythms of the human gut and gut barrier restoration after fecal microbiota transplantation for cirrhosis.

Additionally, Healio has spoken with experts in the field on the necessity of exercise to achieve a balanced gut microbiome. We also had a discussion on the benefits of eating dark chocolate in moderation on gut wellness.

In case you missed anything, here is a list Healio compiled on microbiome news that you should be aware of.

FMT shows promise in restoring gut barrier function, immunity in cirrhosis

Fecal microbiota transplantation improved gut barrier function, mucosal immunity and ammonia metabolism in patients with cirrhosis, which could reduce hepatic encephalopathy and other infections, according to data from the PROFIT trial.

“Patients with cirrhosis have enteric dysbiosis,” Lindsey A. Edwards, BSC, MSc, PhD, research director of fecal microbiota transplant program at the Institute of Liver Studies at King’s College London, said during EASL Congress. “This means they lose beneficial [gut] species and they have enhanced pathogens. These cause damage and you get a leaky gut. Then, those microbes translocate across the gut and their microbial products. This chronic stimulation of your immune system means that you have a dysregulated immune response to infection.” Read more.

Artificial sweeteners linked to ‘marked effects’ on small intestinal microbiome

Greater consumption of artificial sweeteners, specifically those that do not contain aspartame, resulted in “marked effects” on the duodenal microbiome profile, according to data presented at Digestive Disease Week.

“As physicians, we see a number of patients who consume artificial sweeteners for a variety of reasons,” Ruchi Mathur, MD, director of clinical research and clinical operations for medical associated science and technology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, told Healio. “Many of these patients report GI issues such as bloating and altered bowel habits. These symptoms are seen more with the use of sugar alcohols and sugar-derived sweeteners like sucralose than with amino acid-derived sweeteners like aspartame.” Read more.

Nearly 60% of phyla in gut fluctuate from morning to night, by season

The balance of microbes in the human gut varies from day to night and by season, with the most pronounced microbiome fluctuations reported from summer to winter.

“The microbiome accounts for about half of the cells that make you a human, and the fluctuations in the makeup of the microbiome could have wide-ranging implications for health and medicine,” Amir Zarrinpar, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego, said during the Digestive Disease Week media briefing. “Our gut microbiome, though, is constantly changing, is very dynamic. Read more.

Q&A: Exercise ‘seems to groom’ microbiome in ways that affect overall health, well-being

It is widely known that exercise improves cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, but research now suggests physical activity may positively affect the composition and diversity of an individual’s gut microbiome.

“The metabolic effects of your microbiome are hugely important in determining your susceptibility to various diseases and your overall health in general,” William D. Chey, MD, AGAF, FACG, chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Michigan Medicine, told Healio. “Exercise seems to increase the diversity of your microbiome and that overall is felt to be a good thing.” Read more.

Microbiota-induced inflammation may trigger early-onset gestational diabetes

Gut microbial dysbiosis and resulting inflammation may play a role in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, according to a report in Gut.

“Recognition of women at risk of gestational diabetes at an early stage of pregnancy may allow specific recommendations for prevention of the disease currently by lifestyle modification and in the future perhaps by specific pre-, pro- and postbiotic supplementation,” Omry Koren, MSc, PhD, lead study author and professor of medicine at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, said in a related press release. Read more.

Q&A: Not just a ‘sweet treat,’ dark chocolate packed with benefits for a healthy gut

Good news for chocolate lovers: In moderation, dark chocolate boasts numerous health benefits from flavanols, antioxidants and fiber, all of which aid in promoting gut wellness.

“It has some unique properties to it,” Sunny Jain,MS, CEO and founder of Floré by Sun Genomics, said. “We always thought that chocolate was a simple treat, but dark chocolate and its fiber content can be a great prebiotic source for bacteria that feed on those types of fiber.” Read more.

Q&A: Healthy gut microbiome starts with the ‘right nutrition,’ bacterial diversity

Low bacterial diversity and Bifidobacterium depletion were associated with severely symptomatic COVID-19 infection in a small subset of patients — a pattern of dysbiosis that may serve as a susceptibility marker for symptomatic severity.

“To fight a virus one needs strong bacteria,” Sabine Hazan, MD, founder and CEO of research genetic sequencing laboratory ProgenaBiome in California, told Healio. “After analyzing thousands of stool samples, I saw markers of diseases in the microbiome.” Read more.