Gut microbe's consortium in pregnant women influenced by diet of North-east India: A metagenomic study.

INTRODUCTION

Recent research highlights that the gut microbiota of pregnant women undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy, influenced by factors such as diet, environment, and sociocultural practices. A diverse gut microbiome during pregnancy is linked to improved metabolic health and the lower risk of complications like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary practices of different communities of Assam and Manipur with the composition of gut microbes during pregnancy.

METHODS

A total of 18 pregnant women completed a survey assessing macronutrient consumption during the first and third trimesters. Dietary data, obtained through questionnaires, were subjected to PCoA (Principal Co-ordinate Analysis) to find similarities and dissimilarities in dietary patterns. Metagenomics analysis of stool samples was done to study the consortium of gut bacteria for the participants.

RESULTS

This study has demonstrated that higher intake of carbohydrates and fats during pregnancy results in a decrease in phylum such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. Phylum such as Gemmatimonadetes, Crenarchaeote, Fibrobacteres, and Fusobacteria dominated the gut of most participants.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between gut microbiota composition and dietary habits among pregnant women in Northeast India is essential for designing effective nutritional interventions aimed at improving both maternal and infant health. Future studies should prioritize longitudinal research to better understand these connections and their impact on public health in the region, with a particular focus on identifying the specific foods and dietary patterns responsible for the observed similarities.