Intermittent fasting with protein pacing trumps calorie restriction in gut health and weight loss

A recent study published in the journal Nature CommunicationsResearchers are comparing the effects of intermittent fasting with protein pacing (IF-P) and cardiovascular calorie restriction (CR) on gut microbiota remodeling and metabolomic profile.

study: Gut microbiota remodeling and metabolomic profile improve in response to protein pacing by intermittent fasting and continuous caloric restrictionImage credit: mentalmind / Shutterstock.com

Nutrition and the Microbiome

The gut microbiota is important for weight management and gastrointestinal health, and nutritional interventions that influence both the gut microbiota and body weight may be effective in treating metabolic dysregulation.

Recent preclinical studies in mice have shown that protein intake can reduce obesity following chronic fatty liver disease. IF-P, for example, is an effective strategy for weight loss and enhancing body composition, but the impact of this approach on the gut microbiota remains unknown.

About the Research

The current study was conducted in Saratoga Springs, New York. Study participants were people who were inactive or barely active, overweight or obese, weight stable, and aged between 30 and 65. Study participants were randomly assigned to either IF-P or CR for eight weeks, with 21 and 20 participants, respectively.

All study participants were matched for calorie intake and expenditure. Those who had used antibiotics, antifungals, or probiotics in the past two months were excluded from the study.

Fecal, microbial, and plasma metabolic profiles were evaluated in overweight or obese individuals following either the IF-P or CR diet. Changes in food intake, body weight, cardiometabolic outcomes, hunger, and gut microbiota in both groups were also recorded. Study participants completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8.

Fecal samples were collected for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis to determine total bacterial biomass and fecal microbiome composition. Study participants also provided blood samples for body composition assessment, biochemistry assessment, and serum metabolomic analysis. Serum metabolomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis by gas chromatography-MS.

The effects of IF-P on gut bacterial colonization, stool parameters, and caloric reduction were investigated. To this end, 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequences and linear mixed-effects modeling were used to identify patterns of covariation and co-occurrence between the microbiota and circulating metabolites. Multi-omics factor analysis also allowed the researchers to detect patterns of covariation and co-occurrence between the microbiota and circulating metabolites.

Protein pacing involves eating 4 meals containing 25-50g of protein each day, whereas IF-P involves consuming 35% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 35% protein 5-6 days per week. The CR regimen involves consuming 41% carbohydrate, 38% fat, and 21% protein, following the US Dietary Guidelines.

Study participants consumed supplements and snacks on IF days, but on protein pacing days they consumed four to five meals per day based on the American Heart Association’s National Cholesterol Education Program Treatment Lifestyle Modification dietary guidelines.

research result

IF-P was found to have a greater effect on gastrointestinal symptoms, gut bacterial diversity, and circulating metabolites than CR. Marvin Bryan Tier, Christensenaceaeand Rikenellaceae There is an increase in the number and levels of cytokines and amino acid metabolites that promote fatty acid oxidation.

IF-IP significantly enhanced cytokines involved in lipolysis, inflammation, weight loss, and immune responses, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-13. Conversely, caloric restriction increased the levels of metabolites involved in metabolic pathways associated with longevity.

Gut microbiota and metabolic variables influenced weight loss maintenance and body composition. Furthermore, IF-P pacing had a greater effect on gut microbiota dynamics than caloric restriction.

IF-P reduced total fat, carbohydrate, salt, sugar and calorie intake by 40% while increasing protein intake to a greater extent than CR. Study participants following IF-IP experienced reduced body weight, total fat mass, abdominal fat mass and visceral fat mass, as well as a higher percentage of lean body mass. Study participants in the IF-P group also experienced a significant 33% reduction in visceral fat.

Conclusion

IF-P was associated with significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms. Kristen Senella Levels of lean-associated gut bacteria and circulating cytokines that regulate body weight and fat loss were increased. The findings highlight the importance of individualized dietary approaches for optimal weight management and metabolic health outcomes.

However, further studies are needed to understand the processes responsible for these observations and the therapeutic implications of establishing personalized obesity management techniques. These findings may also guide future precision dietary recommendations focused on the gut microbiome with larger sample sizes and longer time periods.