Facts, Figures & Tips for Diversity of Fibers & Gut Microbiota

Title: Facts, Figures & Tips for Diversity of Fibers & Gut Microbiota

Diversity is key! Whether it’s about the bustling inhabitants of a coral reef, the thriving species of a rainforest or the billions of bacteria living in our gut, preserving diversity is essential for life and health.

In the fascinating ecosystem that is the gut microbiota, about 150 different species of bacteria live in harmony with their human host¹ Zhernakova, A., et al. Population-based metagenomics analysis reveals markers for gut microbiome composition and diversity. Science, volume 352 issue 6285. Published 2016 . Because this microbial community is at the cornerstone of our health, we must nurture its growth and diversity through the food we choose to consume.

Dietary fibers are key in promoting microbial development. And just like humans have food preferences, gut bacteria have distinct tastes in fibers ² Cotillard, A., et al.. Dietary intervention impact on gut microbial gene richness. Nature, volume 500. Published 2013 ³ Han, M., et al. Dietary Fiber Gap and Host Gut Microbiota. Protein & Peptide Letters, volume 24, n°5. p. 388-396. Published 2017 ⁴ Makki, K.. The Impact of Dietary Fiber on Gut Microbiota in Host Health and Disease. Cell Host & Microbe, 23. p. 705-715. Published 2018 ! But while fibers are essential components of a diet, too much of the same fiber can unbalance the microbiota by favouring the growth of a unique specie ⁵ Zhao, L., et al. Gut bacteria selectively promoted by dietary fibers alleviate type 2 diabetes. Science, volume 359, issue 6380. Published 2018. Therefore, balanced and diverse fiber intakes are necessary.

Understanding the relevance of diversity in our diet and the interplay with gut microbiota diversity is a first step towards conscious food choices for health.