Effects of High Plant-Based Diet on Intestinal Microbiota

The consumption of vegetables and fruits containing increased amount of fibers and phytochemicals has beneficial effect on human health. Typically, adherence to high plant-based diets shows its efficacy in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes development. In return, there are complex interactions between diet, intestinal microbiota, and immune homeostasis. One of the mechanisms of dietary factors affecting the body is change in intestinal microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids production. To this date, there are only single clinical studies on the effect of high plant-based diets on intestinal microbiota. Their results have shown that switching to high plant-based diets can increase diversity of healthy intestinal bacteria. It has beneficial effect on immune processes, intestinal motility, and has anti-inflammatory effects.