Impact of a very low-energy diet on the fecal microbiota of obese individuals

C D Simões (Corresponding Author), Johanna Maukonen, K P Scott, K A Virtanen, K H Pietikäinen, Maria Saarela

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    29 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Study how the dietary intake affects the fecal microbiota of a group of obese individuals after a 6-week very low-energy diet (VLED) and thereafter during a follow-up period of 5, 8, and 12 months. Additionally, we compared two different methods, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and real-time PCR (qPCR), for the quantification of fecal samples. Sixteen subjects participated in a 12-month dietary intervention which consisted of a VLED high in protein and low in carbohydrates followed by a personalized diet plan, combined with exercise and lifestyle counseling. Fecal samples were analyzed using qPCR, FISH, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The VLED affected the fecal microbiota, in particular bifidobacteria that decreased approximately two logs compared with the baseline numbers. The change in numbers of the bacterial groups studied followed the dietary intake and not the weight variations during the 12-month intervention. Methanogens were detected in 56 % of the participants at every sampling point, regardless of the dietary intake. Moreover, although absolute numbers of comparable bacterial groups were similar between FISH and qPCR measurements, relative proportions were higher according to FISH results. Changes in the fecal microbial numbers of obese individuals were primarily affected by the dietary intake rather than weight changes.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1421-1429
    Number of pages9
    JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition
    Volume53
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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