Protein sources alter the gut microbiome

A recent study from North Carolina State University reveals that the type of protein in an animal's diet significantly influences the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Researchers fed mice diets based on single protein sources—such as egg white, soy, brown rice, and yeast—for one week each. The gut microbiome changed drastically with each diet, particularly in response to egg whites, brown rice, and yeast. Using advanced metagenomics-metaproteomics analysis, the study found major functional shifts in amino acid metabolism and unexpected changes in complex sugar (glycan) degradation. One key finding was that egg white diets led to increased production of enzymes that can break down mucin, the protective lining of the gut, potentially harming gut health. While the simplified diets used may amplify effects, the study offers important insights into how dietary protein affects gut bacteria activity and health. Researchers aim to explore these impacts further in more realistic dietary models.

05-05-2025