Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on the Gut Microbiome of a Well-Defined Cohort of Healthy Individuals

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota in a clearly defined group of healthy individuals is essential when making meaningful comparisons with various diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD), renowned for its potential health benefits, and the influence of adherence thereto on gut microbiota have become a focus of research. Our aim was to elucidate the impact of adherence to the MD on gut microbiota composition in a well-defined cohort. In this prospective study, healthy volunteers completed a questionnaire to provide demographic data, medical history, and dietary intake. Adherence was evaluated using the Med-DQI. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Analysis of sequencing data and statistical analysis were performed using MOTHUR software and R. The study included 60 patients (51.7% females). Adherence correlated with alpha diversity, and higher values were recorded in good adherers. Good adherers had a higher abundance of Paraprevotella and Bacteroides (p < 0.001). Alpha diversity correlated inversely with fat intake and positively with non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Evenness correlated inversely with red meat intake and positively with NSPs. Predicted functional analysis highlighted metabolic pathway differences based on adherence to the MD. In conclusion, our study adds useful information on the relationship between the MD and the gut microbiome.