In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers investigate the effects of intermittent fasting with protein pacing (IF-P) compared to heart-healthy calorie restriction (CR) on gut microbiota remodeling and metabolomic profiles.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining weight and gastrointestinal health by influencing the gut microbiota and weight management. Preclinical studies in mice have suggested that dietary protein can mitigate obesity associated with chronic fatty liver disease. While intermittent fasting with protein pacing (IF-P) has emerged as a successful strategy for weight reduction and body composition improvement, its impact on the gut microbiome remains uncertain.
Study Details
The study, conducted in Saratoga Springs, New York, included overweight or obese individuals aged 30 to 65 years who were either inactive or minimally active and weight-stable. Participants were randomized into two groups: IF-P (21 individuals) and CR (20 individuals) over eight weeks. Caloric intake and expenditure were matched for all participants, and those using antibiotics, antifungals, or probiotics in the preceding two months were excluded.
Various parameters including food consumption, body weight, cardiometabolic outcomes, hunger ratings, and gut flora were assessed. Fecal, microbial, and plasma metabolomic characteristics were evaluated using advanced techniques such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gas chromatography-MS for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis.
Findings
IF-P was found to have a greater impact on gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbial diversity, and circulating metabolites compared to CR. It led to increased counts of certain gut bacteria and elevated levels of cytokines and amino acid metabolites promoting fatty acid oxidation. Conversely, CR increased the levels of metabolites associated with a metabolic pathway linked to lifespan.
The study revealed that gut microbiota and metabolomic variables influenced weight loss maintenance and body composition. IF-P significantly reduced total fat, carbohydrate, salt, sugar, and calorie intake while increasing protein consumption. Participants in the IF-P group experienced greater weight loss, reduced fat mass, and improved body composition compared to CR.
Conclusions
IF-P showed significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and increased levels of gut bacteria associated with a lean phenotype. The findings underscore the importance of personalized dietary interventions for optimal weight control and metabolic health outcomes.
However, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications of individualized obesity control strategies. Larger studies with longer durations are needed to provide more robust evidence for gut microbiome-focused dietary recommendations.