How Fermented Ketchup Affects Gut Health in a Lab-Simulated Colon Model

Jim Crocker
16th August, 2024

How Fermented Ketchup Affects Gut Health in a Lab-Simulated Colon Model

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences found that beetroot ketchup, both fermented and non-fermented, can positively influence gut microbiota
  • Beetroot ketchup increased beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, which are important for colon health and have anti-inflammatory properties
  • The study also showed a reduction in harmful bacteria associated with gut inflammation, suggesting potential health benefits of beetroot ketchup
The study conducted by researchers at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented beetroot ketchup enriched with Lactobacillus johnsonii K4 and non-fermented beetroot ketchup on pooled fecal microbiota from healthy adults in an in vitro colon model[1]. This research is significant as it explores potential dietary interventions to positively influence gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in overall health. Gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract. These microorganisms are essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, immune response, and even mental health. Disruption in the balance of gut microbiota has been linked to numerous health issues such as obesity, inflammation, and metabolic diseases[2]. Therefore, finding ways to positively modulate gut microbiota is an area of active research. In this study, the researchers used the TNO Intestinal Model (TIM-2), a dynamic in vitro colon model, to simulate the human gut environment. After an initial starvation phase, a single 60g dose of predigested and freeze-dried beetroot ketchup was introduced into the model. The potential probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii K4 was added over three days. A carbohydrate mixture of standard ileal effluent medium (SIEM) served as the control. The analysis identified 21 bacterial taxa that were significantly modulated when comparing ketchup samples to control samples. Notably, the ketchup samples led to an increase in butyrate-producing taxa, including Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Ruminococcaceae, Ruminiclostridium 6, and Anaerostipes. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) considered the primary energy source for colon cells and is known for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties[3]. The increase in butyrate-producing bacteria suggests that beetroot ketchup could enhance gut health by promoting beneficial microbial activity. Conversely, there was a reduction in potentially pathogenic genera such as Desulfovibrio and Escherichia-Shigella. This is particularly important as these bacteria are often associated with gut inflammation and other health issues[4]. The reduction in these harmful bacteria further underscores the potential health benefits of beetroot ketchup. Distinct profiles of SCFAs were observed among the fermented ketchup, non-fermented ketchup, and control samples. Non-fermented ketchup resulted in higher proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate compared to the other interventions. This difference may be due to the fermentation process, which involves lactic acid bacteria consuming substrates that would otherwise be used for SCFA production. Interestingly, the fermented ketchup sample had a higher relative abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Dorea[4]. Weissella, although sometimes pathogenic in certain species, can be beneficial in controlled strains and environments[4]. The findings of this study align with previous research that highlights the impact of diet on gut microbiota. For instance, red beetroot has been shown to improve gut microbial richness and metabolite output in weaned pigs, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement for gut health[5]. Additionally, the study's observation of increased butyrate-producing bacteria is consistent with the known benefits of butyrate in maintaining gut health and preventing inflammation[3]. In summary, this research by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences indicates that beetroot ketchup, whether fermented or non-fermented, can positively influence gut microbiota composition and function. By increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful ones, beetroot ketchup could offer a simple dietary intervention to enhance gut health and overall well-being.

NutritionHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Gut microbiota modulatory capacity of fermented ketchup in a validated in vitro model of the colon.

Published 15th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114801

Related Studies

2) Microbiota Features Associated With a High-Fat/Low-Fiber Diet in Healthy Adults.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.583608

3) Butyrate Alters Pyruvate Flux and Induces Lipid Accumulation in Cultured Colonocytes.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222010937

4) The controversial nature of the Weissella genus: technological and functional aspects versus whole genome analysis-based pathogenic potential for their application in food and health.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01197

5) Effect of Red-Beetroot-Supplemented Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolite Profile of Weaned Pigs-A Pilot Study.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132196


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