Macro partitioning
Short-term consumption of low-carbohydrate, high-protein weight-loss diets reduces the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (e.g., Roseburia, Eubacterium rectale) and lowers total SCFA levels, particularly butyrate.
If following a low-carb diet for weight loss, be aware that it may reduce beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria and SCFA levels. Consider incorporating low-FODMAP fermentable fibers if tolerated, or monitor for long-term gut health implications, as long-term adherence may increase colonic disease risk.
With a reduction in dietary carbohydrate intake, there was also a corresponding decrease in the abundance of Roseburia spp. and Eubacterium rectale... Total SCFA were also reduced in response to lowering carbohydrate intake... with a disproportionate decrease in faecal butyrate...
Why this rating
Based on controlled crossover studies (Duncan et al., Brinkworth et al.) with clear mechanistic links between substrate availability and bacterial abundance.
Source
Review article: dietary fibre-microbiota interactions
Hannah L. Simpson et al. · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · 2015
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