Research
Mixed
Consumption of snacks and junk food is negatively associated with beneficial gut bacteria (Lactobacilli, butyrate-producers) and positively associated with E. coli and coliforms.
High consumption of snacks and junk food is linked to a gut microbiota profile with fewer beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacilli and butyrate-producers) and higher levels of E. coli and coliforms. Reducing these foods may support a healthier microbial balance.
ModerateRefutesMEDIUM confidence
Fast food consumption was characterised by suppressed representation of lactobacilli and butyrate-producing bacteria... Consumption of snacks and junk food correlated negatively with... the Lactobacillus group... and positively with the relative share of coliforms... counts of E. coli.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional association; causality is implied but not proven by intervention.
Source
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with the gut microbiota pattern and gastrointestinal characteristics in an adult population
Evdokia K. Mitsou et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2017
DOI 10.1017/s0007114517001593
cross_sectional · n=100Cited 320×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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