High adherence to a Mediterranean diet associated with diverse faecal microbiome and reduced systemic inflamma

The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a diverse and beneficial gut microbiome. However, its effect on the gut microbiome during pregnancy remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate the impact of high adherence to a Mediterranean diet on gut microbiome composition and function in pregnant women by analysing their metabolic profiles and faecal microbiome composition. Stool, serum, and urine samples were collected from 48 pregnant women at weeks 20/28 and at week 36. Participants were stratified based on MD adherence using a validated questionnaire. Stool samples underwent 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured using UPLC-MS. Women with high MD adherence showed significantly higher α-diversity in their faecal microbiomes at both time points. Significant differences in microbiome composition were observed between low and high adherence groups at weeks 20/28, but not at week 36. No significant differences in serum short-chain fatty acid concentrations were found between the groups. The authors' findings suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is associated with changes in gut microbiome diversity and function, contributing to a better understanding of how dietary patterns during pregnancy may influence gut microbiome ecology.