Individuals following an intermittent-fasting and protein-pacing (IF-P) diet experienced fewer gastrointestinal symptoms and greater gut microbiota diversity compared to those on a calorie-restricted (CR) Mediterranean-style diet, according to a small, randomized trial.
METHODOLOGY:
Researchers conducted an 8-week study comparing two low-calorie dietary interventions on gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbiome diversity, and circulating cytokines and metabolites. Participants, comprising men and women with overweight/obesity, were randomly assigned to either a continuous CR Mediterranean-style diet (n = 20) or an IF-P diet (n = 21). Both diets were matched for energy intake. This subanalysis utilized samples and data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial focusing on anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes.
TAKEAWAY:
Symptom Reduction and Microbiota Diversity: The IF-P diet led to more significant reductions in gastrointestinal symptoms and increases in gut microbiota diversity. It also enhanced the abundance of beneficial microbial families like Christensenellaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Marvinbryantia, associated with favorable metabolic profiles.
Cytokines and Metabolites: The IF-P diet significantly elevated cytokines linked to lipolysis, weight loss, inflammation, and immune response. In contrast, the CR diet increased metabolites tied to a longevity-related metabolic pathway.
Subgroup Analysis: High responders to the IF-P diet showed increased levels of bacteria beneficial for metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, while low responders had more butyrate-producing and nutritionally adaptive species such as Eubacterium ventriosum and Roseburia inulinivorans. Fecal metabolome analysis revealed lipid metabolism enrichment in high responders, whereas low responders had increased pathways for amino acids, peptides, tyrosine metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis.
IN PRACTICE:
“These findings illuminate the differential impacts of IF regimens, including IF-P, as a promising dietary strategy for obesity management and enhancing microbiotic and metabolic health,” stated the study.
SOURCE:
The study, with corresponding author Paul J. Arciero, PhD, from the Human Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, was published online in Nature Communications.
LIMITATIONS:
The study’s reliance on fecal samples might have missed potential microbial populations in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the trial’s short 8-week duration and small sample size are notable limitations.
DISCLOSURES:
The study received primary funding from an unrestricted grant by Isagenix International LLC to Arciero, with additional funding provided to a coauthor. Arciero is a consultant for Isagenix International LLC, serves on the advisory board of the International Protein Board, and receives financial compensation for books and keynote presentations on protein pacing. One coauthor is employed by the funder.