Intermittent Fasting May Enhance Gut Health and Assist in Weight Loss, Study Suggests

A new study by researchers from Arizona State University and their colleagues highlighted a dietary strategy for significant health improvement and weight management.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, could advance the understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolism and improve strategies for managing obesity.

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. The method has recently gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and enhanced brain function.

During fasting periods, the gut gets a break from constant digestion, which allows the gut lining to repair and regenerate. This reduction in gut inflammation and enhancement in the gut barrier function leads to better nutrient absorption and more efficient metabolism.

Additionally, intermittent fasting can reduce the growth of harmful bacteria while encouraging the proliferation of beneficial bacteria. These positive changes in the gut microbiome contribute to improved digestion, reduced bloating, and better regulation of appetite hormones, all of which help with weight loss.

In the study, researchers compared the effects of two low-calorie dietary interventions: a heart-healthy continuous calorie-restricted diet and a calorie-restricted regimen incorporating intermittent fasting and protein pacing. The trial involved 41 overweight or obese individuals over a period of eight weeks.

The results showed that participants following an intermittent fasting and protein-pacing regimen, which involves evenly spaced protein intake throughout the day, experienced better gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. These benefits were notably greater than those observed with simple calorie restriction.

The intermittent fasting protocol increased beneficial gut microbes linked to a lean body type and improved overall health. Additionally, it elevated levels of certain proteins (cytokines) in the blood associated with weight loss and amino acid byproducts that promote fat burning.

"Given the gut microbiota's location and its constant interaction with the GI tract, we have been gaining a deeper understanding of its pivotal role in dietary responses these last several years. While limited in duration and sample size, this comprehensive investigation — which included the analysis of the gut microbiome, cytokines, faecal short-chain fatty acids and blood metabolites — underscores the intricate interplay between diet, host metabolism and microbial communities,” said Alex Mohr, lead author of the new study.

Reference: Mohr, A.E., Sweazea, K.L., Bowes, D.A. et al. Gut microbiome remodeling and metabolomic profile improves in response to protein pacing with intermittent fasting versus continuous caloric restriction. Nat Commun 15, 4155 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48355-5