he relationship between oat consumption, modulation of gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) synthesis
Summary
This article focuses on the relationship between oat consumption, modulation of gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) synthesis. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in digestion and disease prevention, and a healthy gut microbiota is essential for overall well-being. Consuming fibre-rich foods like oats can positively impact the gut microbiota.
Oats are considered a functional food with prebiotic potential due to their high fibre content, including soluble and insoluble fibre. Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Oats contain other beneficial compounds like plant proteins, unsaturated fats, and antioxidants.
Several studies have found associations between oat consumption and the abundance of specific beneficial microorganisms in the gut, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Roseburia, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. These microorganisms play essential roles in maintaining gut health.
One of the key findings highlighted in the article is the production of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, through the fermentation of oat fibre by the gut microbiota. SCFAs have various health benefits, including promoting gut health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy weight. Oats can increase the production of these beneficial SCFAs in the gut, improving overall health.
While the article emphasizes the potential health benefits of oat consumption for gut health, it also acknowledges that further research is needed to fully understand the specific mechanisms and effects of oat consumption on the gut microbiota. Nevertheless, the existing studies suggest that oats can be beneficial in modulating the gut microbiota and promoting overall well-being.
Findings
The study examined the relationship between oat consumption and gut health by focusing on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) synthesis. Here are the main findings of the study:
Oats are considered a functional food with prebiotic potential due to their high fibre content, including soluble and insoluble fibre.
Oats contain beneficial compounds like plant proteins, unsaturated fats, and antioxidants.
Oat consumption can beneficially modulate the gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of specific beneficial microorganisms such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Roseburia, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Oat fibre fermentation by the gut microbiota leads to the production of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, which has multiple health benefits.
Oat products have been shown to attenuate obesity, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, lower inflammation levels, increase antioxidant status, and increase the production of SCFAs in animal and human studies.
Further research is needed to better understand oat consumption’s specific mechanisms and effects on the gut microbiota.
Key Terms
Gut microbiota modulation: The article discusses the relationship between oat consumption and the modulation of gut microbiota. Gut microbiota refers to the diverse community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, which play a crucial role in digestion and overall health. Modulating or influencing the gut microbiota refers to making beneficial changes to the composition and activity of these microorganisms.- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): SCFAs are organic fatty acids with a short carbon chain length produced by gut microbiota fermentation of dietary fibre. The article emphasizes the synthesis of SCFAs, particularly butyrate, which has various health benefits, including promoting gut health and preventing disease.
- Prebiotic potential: Oats are considered a functional food with prebiotic potential. Prebiotics are dietary compounds that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, such as probiotics. With their high fibre content, oats can serve as a prebiotic and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Akkermansia muciniphila, Roseburia, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: These are specific beneficial microorganisms that have been observed to have increased abundance in the gut after oat consumption. The article highlights their association with oat consumption and suggests their potential role in promoting gut health and overall well-being.
- Functional food: Oats are described as functional food due to their nutritional composition and potential health benefits. Functional foods are those that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Oats contain beneficial compounds like fibre, plant proteins, unsaturated fats, and antioxidants, making them valuable to a healthy diet.
Methodology
The article utilized an integrative review methodology, following the guidelines provided by Kutcher and LeBaron. The inclusion criteria for the review were original articles (clinical trials, in vitro, and in vivo trials) published between 2012 and 2023. Relevant papers on the modulation of the gut microbiota with oat products or supplements were selected from Scopus and PubMed databases. The search terms used included “oat,” “microbiota,” and “short-chain fatty acids” (SCFA).
In total, 58 studies were identified through the advanced search, and after screening and removing duplicates, 31 publications were selected for a full-text review. Further exclusion criteria were applied during the full-text review, including 16 publications for the final review.
Limitations
One of the limitations mentioned in the article is the limited number of studies available for review. Although 31 publications were included in the full-text review, only 16 met the final review’s inclusion criteria. This reflects the relatively small number of studies investigating the relationship between oat consumption and gut microbiota modulation.
Another limitation is the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms and effects of oat consumption on the gut microbiota. While the existing studies suggest a positive association between oat consumption and beneficial gut microorganisms, more research is required to establish how oats modulate the gut microbiota and affect overall health.
Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/16/3534
