Impact of Dietary Factors on Human Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Endocrinology

Metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, have become one of the world’s largest public health issues. The development of metabolic diseases is related to overweight/obesity and an unhealthy diet, while, for example, a high intake of fiber is associated with a reduced risk of these diseases. Metabolic diseases have also been linked to the gut microbiota. Dietary fiber is food for gut microbes, which leads to the production of short-chained fatty acids that can affect metabolic regulation, and is known for reducing cholesterol levels and improving the regulation of blood glucose levels and body weight. Thus, dietary factors may impact host metabolism through the microbiota. For example, Bacteroides stercoris has been shown to be positively correlated with intake of fiber, grains, and vegetables, and associated with lower diastolic blood pressure.

More human studies are needed to investigate the interplay between the gut microbiota, different dietary factors, and metabolic markers to find out more about how metabolic diseases can be prevented.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the complex interactions between diet, microbiota, and metabolic diseases, and how different gut bacteria can be targeted and affected by dietary factors in humans, with the aim to improve metabolic regulation and prevent the development of metabolic diseases.

We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Opinions, Perspectives, and Systematic Reviews, including but not limited to the following themes:

• Investigate how different dietary components and/or patterns affect human metabolism and gut hormones

• Investigate how different dietary components and/or patterns affect human gut microbiota

• Investigate how different dietary components and/or patterns are linked to metabolic diseases

Keywords: diet factor, dietary factors, gastrointestinal endocrinology, gut microbiota

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