Allergies related to low microbial diversity

Allergies are increasingly present. Alteration of the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) may increase the risk for allergies and other conditions. A recently published study sought to clarify the relationship of dysbiosis with allergies in adults. For this, data from the American Gut Project were analyzed. Fecal microbiota richness and composition were used to compare adults with versus without allergy to foods (peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, other) and non-foods (drugs, bee-sting, dander, asthma, seasonal, eczema). The results showed that reduced richness and altered composition was found with all allergies except asthma, bee sting, and eczema. The dysbiosis was most marked with allergies to nuts and seasonal pollen

Personalized nutrition to manage blood glucose levels

Latest studies

Elevated postprandial (after a meal) blood glucose levels constitute a global epidemic and a major risk factor for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Maintaining normal blood glucose levels is considered critical for preventing and controlling the metabolic syndrome. Existing dietary methods for controlling blood glucose levels have limited efficacy. Researchers recently designed a machine-learning algorithm that integrated blood parameters, dietary habits, anthropometrics, physical activity and the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota has been associated with, amongst others, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.  A blinded randomized controlled dietary intervention based on this algorithm resulted in significantly lower postprandial responses and consistent alteration to gut microbiota configuration. The results suggest that personalized diets may successfully modify elevated postprandial blood glucose and its metabolic consequences.