Microbiome Impact from a Nutrition Intervention in Young Adults: FRUVEDomics Pilot Study

BackgroundIndividuals have long since co-existed with their gut microbiota and it is now being accepted as indispensable in healthy living. Researchers have linked an imbalanced gut microbiome with obesity, atherosclerosis and inflammation, with momentum gaining at how diet can impact the gut bacteria. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a healthy dietary intervention on the microbiome of young adults attending West Virginia University. MethodsSubjects (n=36) followed a free-living diet intervention for 8-weeks centered on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Choose MyPlate recommendations. Anthropometrics, surveys, venous blood samples, stool samples, and body composition were collected at baseline and post intervention. Participants underwent individual weekly consultations with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, using food logs, food pictures and receipt management to evaluate adherence. Alterations in the fecal microbiome were assessed using high throughput ...