How the Mediterranean Diet Affects You: Predicting Responses Based on Your Microbiome

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Mediterranean diet: The MD is characterized by increased consumption of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and olive oil, moderate consumption of fish, poultry and dairy foods, with low consumption of processed foods and red meat. The nutritional profile of the MD intervention will consist of 46% carbohydrates, 17% protein, and 35% fat. A significant focus on dietary fat consumption with maintaining an omega 6:3 ratio of approximately 3:1 or lower. The MD will provide fibre-rich foods to meet the fibre recommendations for Canadians (males: 30 grams/day, females: 21 grams/day)

Westernized Diet: The WD is characterized by increased consumption of highly processed foods, refined grains, red meats, processed meats, added sugars, added salt, high intake of omega-6 PUFA, accompanied by a reduction in fibre, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, as well as nuts and seeds.The nutrition composition of the WD intervention will consist of 46% of calories derived from refined carbohydrates and added sugars, 17% protein (sourced from red and processed meats) and 35% fat. The fatty acid profile will be characterized by higher amounts of n-6 PUFAs while lacking in n-3 PUFAs and MUFAs, with a omega 6:3 ratio of 15-20:1.

Study summary

People respond differently to various diets-some may see significant benefits, while others may not. This project aims to personalize dietary recommendations by analyzing the gut microbiome to predict who will benefit most from the Mediterranean diet based on their unique biology, including their microbiome.

The study focuses on answering these key questions:

1. Are there specific microbes that influence who is most likely to benefit from the Mediterranean diet?
2. What changes occur in the gut microbiome when healthy individuals follow a Mediterranean diet?

To explore these questions, researchers will compare the effects of a Mediterranean diet to a Western-style diet. Participants will receive all their meals and snacks for the study to ensure accurate comparisons of how these diets impact the gut microbiome.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Microbiome - Microbial Diversity — Baseline, Week 3, Week 9 and Week 12
  Metagenomic sequencing will be employed to analyze stool samples, focusing on changes in the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome in healthy individuals in response to interventions with the Mediterranean and Western diets.
• Microbiome - Microbial Signature — Baseline, Week 3, Week 9 and Week 12
  Metagenomic sequencing will be utilized to analyze stool samples, aiming to identify microbial signatures of the gut microbiome in healthy individuals following interventions with the Mediterranean and Western diets.

Trial sites (1)

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