Vitamin A Carotenoids Boost Gut Microbial Diversity from a Healthy Diet

Greg Howard
9th August, 2024

Vitamin A Carotenoids Boost Gut Microbial Diversity from a Healthy Diet

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the University of Nottingham found that vitamin A-related metabolites, especially carotenoids, are linked to a diverse and healthy gut microbiome
  • Carotenoid compounds were positively associated with beneficial gut bacteria, while retinol showed no specific microbial associations
  • A healthy diet rich in carotenoids can enhance gut microbiome diversity, contributing to better overall health
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient known for its roles in vision, immune function, and cellular differentiation. Recent research conducted by the University of Nottingham has explored an additional dimension to vitamin A's importance: its relationship with the gut microbiome and how it influences the absorption and metabolism of other vitamins[1]. The study investigated the correlation between gut microbiome composition and six vitamin A-related metabolites, using data from 1,053 individuals from the TwinsUK cohort and a replication group of 327 women from the ZOE PREDICT-1 study. The metabolites studied included two retinoids (retinol and 4-oxoretinoic acid) and four carotenoid compounds, such as beta-cryptoxanthin and three carotene diols. Results revealed that five of these vitamin A-related serum metabolites were positively correlated with microbiome alpha diversity, which is a measure of the variety of microbial species present in the gut. Specifically, carotenoid compounds were found to be positively associated with beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Coprococcus eutactus. Interestingly, retinol did not show any association with specific microbial species. The study utilized random forest models to predict circulating levels of carotenoids and 4-oxoretinoic acid based on gut microbiome composition, achieving moderate accuracy (AUCs ranging from 0.66 to 0.74). However, the prediction model for retinol was not as effective (AUC = 0.52). Additionally, the researchers found that the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), which measures adherence to dietary guidelines, was strongly associated with gut microbiome diversity and all carotenoid compounds, but not with retinoids. One of the significant findings was the mediating role of carotenoid compounds in the effect of a healthy diet on gut microbiome diversity. Carotenoids were found to mediate between 18 and 25% of the effect of HEI on gut microbiome alpha diversity. These findings align with earlier studies that highlight the intricate relationship between diet, the gut microbiome, and overall health. For instance, previous research has shown that vitamin A and D deficiencies can lead to less diverse and dysbiotic microbial communities, increasing susceptibility to infections and gut-related issues[2]. Additionally, vitamin A is crucial for maintaining epithelial integrity and immune function, which further underscores its role in preventing inflammation and infection[3]. The current study expands on these findings by demonstrating that vitamin A-related metabolites, particularly carotenoids, are closely linked with a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. This is significant because a diverse gut microbiome is associated with better overall health and reduced risk of chronic inflammatory diseases[4]. The study also suggests that dietary patterns rich in carotenoids could enhance gut microbiome diversity, thereby contributing to better health outcomes. In summary, the research by the University of Nottingham provides compelling evidence that vitamin A-related metabolites, especially carotenoids, play a crucial role in shaping gut microbiome composition. This relationship underscores the importance of a diet rich in carotenoids for maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being.

NutritionHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Vitamin A carotenoids, but not retinoids, mediate the impact of a healthy diet on gut microbial diversity.

Published 7th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03543-4

Related Studies

2) Vitamin A and vitamin D regulate the microbial complexity, barrier function, and the mucosal immune responses to ensure intestinal homeostasis.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10409238.2019.1611734

3) Vitamin A as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Journal: The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, Issue: Vol 61, Issue 3, Aug 2002

4) The interplay between host immune cells and gut microbiota in chronic inflammatory diseases.

https://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2017.24


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