The effect of nut consumption (tree nuts and peanuts) on the gut microbiota of humans: a systematic review

Jul 28, 2020The British journal of nutrition

How Eating Tree Nuts and Peanuts May Change Human Gut Bacteria

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Abstract

A total of eight studies found that nut consumption had a modest impact on gut microbiota diversity.

Two studies reported a significant increase in α-diversity following nut consumption.
Four studies indicated a significant change in β-diversity associated with nut intake.
Walnuts were more often linked to shifts in β-diversity, possibly due to their unique nutritional profile.
Increased levels of certain beneficial bacteria genera that produce short-chain fatty acids were observed after nut consumption.
Results regarding the effects of nuts on gut microbiota were inconsistent, likely due to variations in study design and individual differences.

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There is increasing evidence linking the gut microbiota to various aspects of human health. Nuts are a food rich in prebiotic fibre and polyphenols, food components which have been shown to have beneficial effects on the gut microbiota. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence regarding the effect of nut consumption on the human gut microbiota. A systematic search of the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL and CINAHL was performed until 28 November 2019. Eligible studies were those that investigated the effects of nut consumption in humans (aged over 3 years old), utilising next-generation sequencing technology. Primary outcome measures were between-group differences in α- and β-diversity metrics and gut microbial composition. A total of eight studies were included in the review. Included studies assessed the effects of either almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts or pistachios on the gut microbiota. Overall, nut consumption had a modest impact on gut microbiota diversity, with two studies reporting a significant shift in α-diversity and four reporting a significant shift in β-diversity. Walnuts, in particular, appeared to more frequently explain shifts in β-diversity, which may be a result of their unique nutritional composition. Some shifts in bacterial composition (including an increase in genera capable of producing SCFA: Clostridium, Roseburia, Lachnospira and Dialister) were reported following the consumption of nuts. Nut intake may yield a modulatory effect on the gut microbiota; however, results were inconsistent across studies, which may be explained by variations in trial design, methodological limitations and inter-individual microbiota.

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The effect of nut consumption (tree nuts and peanuts) on the gut microbiota of humans: a systematic review

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