New Study Finds Mediterranean Diet with Dairy Foods Improves Gut Microbiome and Cardiovascular Health
A recent study published in the Nutrients journal has found that a combination of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) supplemented with dairy foods can have a positive impact on the gut microbiome of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study highlights the potential benefits of this dietary approach in improving cardiovascular health.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating immunity and maintaining metabolic health. Proper diet is essential in shaping the intestinal commensal microbiota. The gut microbes produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the fermentation of non-digestible fiber, which provide energy for the colonic tissues and help maintain gastrointestinal tissue integrity. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the levels of systemic inflammatory markers.
However, not all microbial products are beneficial. The metabolism of certain nutrients, such as L-carnitine and choline, can result in the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is associated with the development of atherosclerosis and inflammation. This is where the Mediterranean diet comes in.
The MedDiet, which includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, legumes, cereals, and moderate amounts of fish, dairy foods, eggs, poultry, and red wine, has been associated with numerous health benefits. It contains bioactive nutrients such as fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals that promote beneficial effects through the gut microbiota.
However, the typical MedDiet lacks adequate calcium, which is essential for bone health, vascular function, and muscle function. To address this issue, researchers supplemented the MedDiet with dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese to fulfill the recommended daily intake of calcium in Australia.
The study followed a randomized controlled trial design and compared the benefits of the MedDiet supplemented with dairy foods (MedDairy) and a low-fat diet (LFD) in Australians at high risk of CVD. Participants followed their respective dietary interventions for 8 weeks, with an 8-week washout period in between.
The findings showed that the MedDairy diet resulted in changes in the relative abundance of certain bacterial taxa in the gut microbiome. Notably, the abundance of Butyricicoccus, a bacterium associated with positive effects on systolic blood pressure, was enhanced in the MedDairy group. This suggests that adherence to the MedDairy diet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Overall, this study provides evidence for the potential benefits of combining the Mediterranean diet with dairy foods in improving the gut microbiome and cardiovascular health. The findings highlight the importance of dietary interventions in managing and preventing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of this dietary approach and its applicability to different populations.