Dietary xenobiotics, (poly)phenols and fibers: Exploring associations with gut microbiota in socially vulnerable individuals

OBJECTIVES: Although xenobiotics derived from food processing may cause modifications in the composition of the gut microbiota (GM) evidence is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of potential dietary carcinogens as heterocyclic amines (HAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrates, nitrites, nitroso compounds and acrylamide, in combination to fibers (poly)phenols on the GM composition in a group of materially deprived subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Transversal observational study in a sample of 19 subjects recipients of Red Cross food aid. Dietary information was recorded by means of 3 non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Questions focused on the type of cooking and the extent of cooking and roasting were included. Information on potential carcinogens was mainly obtained from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) and Computerized Heterocyclic Amines Resource for Research in Epidemiology of Disease (CHARRED) Carcinogen Databases. Microbial composition was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing in fecal samples. RESULTS: Higher levels of Lachnospiraceae and Eggerthellaceae families were found in individuals consuming less than 50 ng/day of 2-amino-3,8 dimethylimidazo (4,5,f) quinoxaline (MeIQx) (considered as lower risk dose for colorectal adenoma) while those consuming more than 40 ng/day of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo (4,5,b) pyridine (PhIP) (higher risk for colorectal adenoma) showed lower relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and greater presence of Streptococcaceae and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group. CONCLUSION: The associations identified between diet and processing by-products on GM in this study could be used as potential targets for the designing of dietary interventions tailored to this collective.