Modulating Metabolic Health and Physiological Functions: Advances in Dietary Interventions Targeting Gut Microbiota.

Abstract

The human gut possesses a highly complex and metabolically functional microbial community. This microbial ecosystem, often termed a "super-organism", plays a critical function in regulating the host's metabolic processes, including gut motility, energy absorption, appetite, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as hepatic fat storage. These metabolic functions of the gut microbiota (GM) play a central role in maintaining host homeostasis and overall metabolic health. This review synthesizes findings from recent clinical and preclinical studies, focusing on the interactions between gut microbiota, metabolic functions, and dietary interventions, to provide an evidence-based overview of current knowledge and future perspectives. Evidence was compiled through a narrative review of studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using prespecified keywords related to gut microbiota, metabolic syndrome, diet, and dysbiosis.Recent advancements in nutritional science and microbiology have highlighted the substantial relation between the GM and multiple pathological conditions, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). A plethora of studies predict that disruptions in the GM, known as dysbiosis, may influence the progression of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Notably, elucidating the contributions of the GM in the pathogenesis of MetS could offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions. Herein, we review the physiological and metabolic functions of the GM and its connection to MetS pathogenesis, while also highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms underlying these observed associations. Furthermore, we discuss the influence of different dietary approaches on MetS and the impact of nutritional therapeutic strategies to support the development of beneficial gut bacteria and alleviate dysbiosis. By integrating insights from both clinical and preclinical research, this study provides a comprehensive overview of how GM modulation can support metabolic health. The possibility of tailoring nutritional interventions based on individual microbiota profiles represents a promising frontier for personalized and effective approaches to improve metabolic health.