Nutrition experts have long recommended increasing dietary fibre intake, yet a recent study from Cornell University suggests that the health benefits of dietary fibre might not be universal. Published in the journal Gut Microbes, the research highlights how the impacts of dietary fibre vary based on individual differences in the gut microbiome, advocating for personalised dietary recommendations. The significance and relevance of these findings cannot be overstated, as they challenge the universal application of dietary fibre recommendations.
The research focused on resistant starch, a type of dietary fibre present in foods like bread, cereals, green bananas, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and potatoes. The team investigated how different types of resistant starch affect various species of gut microbes. Their findings revealed a fascinating aspect of the study-individual responses to resistant starch are highly variable; while some individuals experience significant benefits, others see minimal or no effects. This variability is closely linked to the diversity and composition of each person’s gut microbiome, making the study’s findings even more intriguing and interesting.
Angela Poole, an assistant professor of molecular nutrition and the study’s senior author, emphasised the potential of precision nutrition. She pointed out that while public health messages have consistently encouraged high fibre intake, actual consumption still needs to be higher, with less than 10% of the population meeting the recommended levels. Given the wide variety of dietary fibres and carbohydrates available, Poole suggests a more practical approach that involves detailed personal assessments to determine which specific types of fibre would provide the most benefits for each individual.
The study involved three dietary treatments administered to 59 participants over seven weeks, providing a comprehensive view of how personalised dietary recommendations could be structured to enhance public health strategies.
More information: Sri Lakshmi Sravani Devarakonda et al, Gut microbial features and dietary fiber intake predict gut microbiota response to resistant starch supplementation, Gut Microbes. DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03123-x
Journal information: Gut Microbes Provided by Cornell University
