Macro partitioning

A weight loss diet reduced in carbohydrates and high in protein decreases the abundance of Eubacterium rectale and Collinsella aerofaciens, likely due to reduced substrate availability for these specific bacterial groups.

When following a low-carbohydrate weight loss diet, you may see a decrease in certain butyrate-producing bacteria like E. rectale. This is likely due to less carbohydrate substrate for them to ferment. This is a normal physiological response to the diet composition rather than a sign of gut damage.