Reference Number: 401
Year: 2017
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Gut Microbiome - Creating Healthier Bread to Support Optimal Gut Health | Inflammatory bowel disease
Nutrition: Omega-3 fatty acids | Prebiotic | Short chain fatty acids
Summary
Long-term dietary habits play a crucial role in creating a host-specific gut microbiota community in humans. Despite the many publications about the effects of carbohydrates (prebiotic fibers), the impact of dietary fats, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on the gut microbiota is less well defined. The few studies completed in adults showed some common changes in the gut microbiota after omega-3 PUFA supplementation. In particular, a decrease in Faecalibacterium, often associated with an increase in the Bacteroidetes and butyrate-producing bacteria belonging to the Lachnospiraceae family, has been observed. Coincidentally, a dysbiosis of these taxa is found in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Omega-3 PUFAs can exert a positive action by reverting the microbiota composition in these diseases, and increase the production of anti-inflammatory compounds, like short-chain fatty acids. In addition, accumulating evidence in animal model studies indicates that the interplay between gut microbiota, omega-3 fatty acids, and immunity helps to maintain the intestinal wall integrity and interacts with host immune cells. Finally, human and animal studies have highlighted the ability of omega-3 PUFAs to influence the gut–brain axis, acting through gut microbiota composition. From these findings, the importance of the omega-3 connection to the microbiota emerges, encouraging further studies.
What does this mean for bakers?
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial, unsaturated dietary fats. You can increase the range and amount of omega-3 fats in your diet by adding flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, hazelnuts or walnuts to your bakes. Enjoying sourdough with a serving of oily fish or tofu which are also rich in omega3 oils will also help.
Try our Date & Rye Financiers which contain flaxseeds, or this Date & Walnut Bread & Butter Pudding.