Western diets pose greater risk of cancer and IBD, APC study finds
Western diets pose a greater risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, according to a milestone review of what people eat around the world.
"This review is a significant milestone in microbiome research. It provides a detailed look at how dietary patterns shape the gut microbiome and underscores the potential for diet-based interventions in clinical practice."
- International review of six global diets highlights different health benefits and risks
- Research looks at diets impact on the microbiome – the community of microorganisms in the gut
- Findings have implications for food industry, health, and diet.
The study of six prevalent diets has examined how what we consume impacts our gut microbiome – the community of microorganisms that live in our intestines – and how the shifting balance of its composition influences our overall health. The review was conducted by APC Microbiome Ireland (APC), a world renowned SFI Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC), and Teagasc and is published in the prestigious journal Nature Reviews Microbiology.
The study, led by Prof. Catherine Stanton – an APC PI and senior principal research officer at Teagasc, examined Mediterranean, high-fibre, plant-based, high-protein, ketogenic, and Western diets.
The comprehensive review reveals how different diets significantly alter the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome, highlighting the production of essential molecules produced during metabolism such as short-chain fatty acids.
It underscores the detrimental effects of the Western diet, characterised by high fat and sugar intake, compared to the benefits of diets rich in plant-based and high-fibre foods.
By contrast, it finds that a Mediterranean diet, high in fruits, vegetables, is effective in managing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, IBD, and type 2 diabetes.
Prof. Stanton said:
"Our review highlights the profound impact of different diets on the gut microbiome. This understanding is crucial for developing dietary recommendations that promote health and prevent disease. It’s fascinating to see how dietary choices can influence the balance of microorganisms in our gut and their metabolic functions."
The review offers valuable insights for the food industry and healthcare professionals, guiding them in making informed decisions about diet and health. The detailed analysis of how different diets affect the microbiome provides a foundation for developing targeted nutritional therapies and improving public health outcomes.
Prof. Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, and co-director of UCC Futures Microbiome and Health added, "This review is a significant milestone in microbiome research. It provides a detailed look at how dietary patterns shape the gut microbiome and underscores the potential for diet-based interventions in clinical practice. It provides tangible data on how the microbiome is intrinsically relevant to creating health benefits for society."
The review also emphasises the need for exhaustive studies to better understand the causal relationships between individuals, their diet, and microorganisms. This understanding is vital for advancing precision nutrition and developing microbiome-based therapies tailored to individual health needs.
The review is published in Nature Reviews Microbiology and is available to read online: The interplay between diet and the gut microbiome: implications for health and disease.
For more information, please contact: APC Microbiome Ireland Communications Manager Tina Darb 087 7826500 tdarb@ucc.ie
About APC Microbiome Ireland
APC Microbiome Ireland is a world leading SFI Research Centre based in University College Cork and Teagasc. It was formed in 2003 with funding from Science Foundation Ireland and in conjunction with key industry partners. APC represents a seamless collaboration between University College Cork and Teagasc (the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority).
It is widely recognised that the gut microbiota plays an important role in human health and has become one of the most dynamic, complex, and exciting areas of research in both food and pharmaceutical arenas. Over the last decade APC has established itself as one of the leading global centres in gut microbiota research.
APC has made several landmark discoveries and has published over 3,000 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, generating many journal covers and associated editorials. Recent research areas being led by APC include the development of new diagnostics or biomarkers of health or risk of disease (e.g. colon cancer) based on analysis of the microbiota; exploring the mechanisms by which the microbiota may be favourably mobilised or manipulated (e.g. by bacteriophage) to promote health and ‘mining’ the microbiota for new drugs (e.g. smart antibiotics) and functional food ingredients.