Influence of the origin of dietary proteins (plant vs. animal) on the faecal microbiota of older adults.

Plant-based protein diet was associated with significantly higher relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota compared to animal protein diet.

• Verrucomicrobiota relative abundance was 4.46% in the plant-based protein group versus 1.47% in the animal protein diet group.
• The difference was described as 'significantly higher' between the two dietary groups.
• The study used a cross-sectional observational design with older adults aged 60 to 80.
• Faecal samples were analyzed to determine gut microbiota composition.

Plant-based protein diet was linked to a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to an animal protein diet.

• The association between plant-based protein intake and lower BMI was reported as part of the dietary pattern analysis.
• Associations were assessed through correlation and t tests.
• The study population consisted of older adults aged between 60 and 80 years.

Firmicutes was the predominant phylum in the gut microbiota of the study participants.

• Firmicutes had a relative abundance of 61.10% across the study population.
• This finding was observed in the cross-sectional observational study of older adults.
• Gut microbiota composition was determined through analysis of faecal samples.

Proteobacteria levels tended to be higher in individuals with high-fat diets and alcohol consumption.

• The association was observed between Proteobacteria abundance and both high-fat dietary patterns and alcohol consumption.
• This was identified through correlation analyses between microbiota profiles and dietary patterns.
• The finding was noted as a tendency rather than a statistically significant result in the abstract.

Roseburia abundance was significantly associated with valeric acid levels.

• The correlation coefficient between Roseburia and valeric acid was r = 0.43.
• The association was statistically significant at p = 1.5 × 10⁻³.
• Valeric acid is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) measured from faecal samples.
• SCFA production was assessed as part of the faecal microbiota analysis.

High fibre intake was associated with reduced branched-chain short-chain fatty acid (bc-SCFA) production.

• The association between fibre intake and bc-SCFA was identified through dietary pattern and metabolic marker correlation analyses.
• bc-SCFA reduction is generally considered a favorable metabolic outcome.
• SCFA production was measured from faecal samples in older adults aged 60 to 80.

Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Akkermansia genera were directly related to gut microbiota diversity and inversely related to BMI.

• Both Christensenellaceae R-7 group and Akkermansia showed direct associations with gut microbiota diversity.
• Both genera were inversely related to BMI in the study population.
• Akkermansia is a genus within the Verrucomicrobiota phylum, which was found at higher abundance in plant-based protein consumers.
• Associations were assessed through correlation and t tests across the cross-sectional study sample.