Our gut is home to a community of microorganisms called the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in our health. Researchers from Università di Trento, led by Nicola Segata, have found that our diet significantly affects the gut microbiome. They analyzed samples from over 21,000 people, including vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Key findings include:

• Varied Diets: A diet rich in vegetables promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
• Meat Consumption: Excessive red meat intake can lead to chronic diseases.
• Dietary Patterns: Each type of diet (vegan, vegetarian, omnivorous) leads to a unique microbiome signature.

The study revealed that the quality of the diet, rather than the specific type, influences the microbiome. Healthier diets, whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous, led to a more favourable gut microbiome composition. Eating more plant-based foods and fewer processed animal-based foods benefits gut health.

The researchers also discovered that excluding certain foods doesn’t necessarily improve the microbiome unless replaced with various quality plant-based foods. They emphasized the importance of dietary diversity for a healthy microbiome.

This study is part of a larger project aiming to understand the benefits of different diets based on individual microbiomes, particularly for heart and metabolic health.