B-Group Vitamins as Potential Prebiotic Candidates: Their Effects on the Human Gut Microbiome

Author(s)

Bedani, Raquel ; Cucick, Ana Clara Candelaria ; de Albuquerque, Marcela Albuquerque Cavalcanti ; LeBlanc, Jean Guy ; Saad, Susana Marta Isay

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Nutrition; v. 154, n. 2, p. 13-pg., 2024-02-15.

Abstract

In recent years, thousands of studies have demonstrated the importance of the gut microbiome for human health and its relationship with certain diseases. The search for new gut microbiome modulators has thus become an objective to beneficially alter the gut microbiome composition and/or metabolic activity, which may modify intestinal physiology. Growing evidence has shown that B -group vitamins might be considered as potential candidates as gut microbiome modulators. However, the relationship between the B -group vitamins and the gut microbiome remains largely unexplored. Studies have suggested that non-absorbed B -group vitamins administered orally can reach the distal intestine or even the colon where these vitamins may have potential health benefits for the host. Clinical trials supporting this effect are still limited. In this review, we discuss evidence regarding the modulatory effects of B -group vitamins on the gut microbiome with a focus on their potential role as prebiotic candidates. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/12190-2 - Exploring fruit by-products and whey for the design of innovative foods with increased content of vitamins produced by lactic acid bacteria (Acronym: VITALAB)
• Grantee: Susana Marta Isay Saad
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07914-8 - FoRC - Food Research Center
• Grantee: Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC