O Papel dos Micronutrientes na Microbiota Intestinal

Abstract

The gut microbiota primarily consists of prokaryotic microorganisms, playing a pivotal role in influencing the host's nutrient metabolism, regulating the immune system against infectious agents, and affecting the nervous system. So, we propose a narrative literature review aiming to discuss the importance of gut microbiota supplementation with micronutrients.Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modulate it by influencing the type and abundance of intestinal microorganisms, altering levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, and regulating short-chain fatty acid levels or their salts. Vitamin D, synthesized through skin exposure to ultraviolet B rays, has shown changes in the gut microbiota after supplementation (e.g., increased Enterobacteriaceae) and remained unchanged in HIV positive individuals. Vitamin C significantly influences the microbiota, being absorbed in the proximal small intestine, and its supplementation increases essential bacteria like Lachnospiraceaeand Blautia. Vitamin A, involved in multiple physiological processes, regulated the gut microbiota upon supplementation by increasing bacteria like Bifidobacterium, Bacteroidetes, and Prevotella. Vitamin B12 supplementation, solely sourced from animal-derived foods, also shifted the microbiota,raising the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Based on the analyzed studies, various factors influence the role of micronutrients in the gut microbiota, including lifestyle habits, diet, region and country, nutritional status, and the presence ofchronic diseases.