Effects of dietary fibers, micronutrients, and phytonutrients on gut microbiome: a review

Abstract

The human gastrointestinal tract harbors a magnitude of bacteria, which are collectively known as the gut microbiome. Research has demonstrated that the gut microbiome significantly impacts the health of its host and alters the host’s risk for various chronic diseases. Many factors, such as diet, could potentially be manipulated to alter the host gut microbiome and induce subsequent preventative and/or therapeutic effects. It has been established that diet partakes in the regulation and maintenance of the gut microbiome; however, specific crosstalk between the microbiome, gut, and host has not been clearly elucidated in relation to diet. In this review of the scientific literature, we outline current knowledge of the differential effects of major plant-derived dietary constituents (fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals) on the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome.