Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Nutrition and Its Relationship to Epigenetics

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is a community of microorganisms inhabiting the human intestines, potentially influencing both physiological and pathophysiological processes in the human body. Existing evidence suggests that nutrients can influence the modulation of the gut microbiota. However, there is still limited evidence regarding the effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation on the human gut microbiota through epigenetic modification. It is plausible that maintaining an adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, iron, fibre, zinc and magnesium may have a beneficial effect on alleviating inflammation in the body, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the condition of the intestinal microbiota through various epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, epigenetics involves alterations in the phenotype of a cell without changing its fundamental DNA sequence. It appears that the modulation of the microbiota by various nutrients may lead to epigenetic regulation. The correlations between microbiota and epigenetics are potentially interdependent. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to identify the complex relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and epigenetic regulation. These interactions could play a crucial role in systemic health.

Keywords: epigenetics; gut microbiota; nutrients.

Figure 1

Factors affecting the composition of the gut microbiota.

Figure 2

Iron-mediated epigenetic modifications. It is likely that an adequate supply of iron in the diet may be important in epigenetic regulation of inflammatory reactions and maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.

Figure 3

Relationships between microbiota modulation, SCFA production, and epigenetic regulation. Modulation of the microbiota via dietary changes or probiotic use can impact the production of SCFAs, consequently affecting host health through epigenetic mechanisms.