Blautia spp. in gut microbiome, its relation to dietary choices and nutritional status of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Objectives
Uncontrolled growth of certain Blautia spp. species might be associated with symptoms identified in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Since no studies focused on the relationship between nutrition habits, body composition and the abundance of Blautia spp. of patients with IBS, the study aimed to determine the abovementioned aspects.
Methods
The gut microbiota of patients with IBS (n=73) and the control group (n=54), were subjected to the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. The food frequency intake, physical activity, and socioeconomic status were measured by the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire KomPAN®. The body composition was assessed by the air plethysmography method (BodPod, Life Measurement Inc., Concord, CA).
Results
Blautia spp. was more abundant in the gut microbiota of patients with IBS than control participants. In the patients with IBS, a relation was observed between the frequency of intake of fruits and Blautia spp. abundance (OR=0.35; 95% CI, 0.12-1.01; p=0.04). While comprising all study participants, individuals with high Blautia spp. relative abundance consumed white bread more frequently than the remaining participants (2.26; 1.03-4.96; 0.04). In turn, the high-frequency intake of wholegrain bread and legumes was related to decreased Blautia spp. abundance (0.29; 0.10-0.94; 0.03; and 0.38; 0.17-0.83; 0.01, respectively). Body fat percentage over 40% was related to high Blautia spp. abundance (2.85; 0.99-8.16; 0.04).
Conclusion
A diet high in wholegrain bread, legumes and vegetables may influence the Blautia spp. abundance in gut microbiota. The high Blautia spp. in the gut is also related to body composition.