The impact of intermittent fasting on gut microbiota: a systematic review of human studies Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This systematic review assessed the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) on the human gut microbiota, focusing on different types of IF, such as time-restricted feeding (TRF), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and the 5:2 diet. The review aimed to explore how these fasting interventions affect microbiota richness, alpha and beta diversity, and composition.
Who was studied?
The review included studies on healthy adults as well as those with conditions like obesity or metabolic syndrome. Participants from various ethnic groups, including Chinese and Pakistani populations, were examined to evaluate how IF affects their gut microbiota during fasting periods like Ramadan and structured diets like TRF and ADF.
Most important findings
The review found that IF interventions significantly influenced gut microbiota composition and diversity. Specifically, time-restricted eating (TRF) led to increases in microbial richness and diversity in healthy males and those observing Ramadan. Some studies showed a significant rise in specific bacterial species like Akkermansia muciniphila and Lachnospiraceae. However, the results varied significantly across studies, and the effects on alpha diversity were inconsistent. Beta diversity changes indicated distinct microbiome communities between fasting and non-fasting groups. Interestingly, studies on ADF and the 5:2 diet showed limited data, with only minor changes in microbiota composition observed.
Key implications
This review underscores the need for more targeted research to clarify the health benefits of IF-induced changes in gut microbiota. Given that the effects on microbiota diversity are still under investigation, IF could potentially offer benefits for gut health, particularly in managing metabolic disorders and inflammation. However, the substantial heterogeneity in study designs and populations means that healthcare professionals should be cautious about recommending IF without further evidence on its specific microbiome benefits. Future studies should standardize measures of microbiota diversity and control for confounding dietary variables to offer clearer insights into IF’s role in gut health.