Researchers in Sweden have identified a critical link between diet, gut bacteria, and cardiometabolic health. The study, published in the journal Cell, reveals that gut bacteria can synthesize molecules that may lower the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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Andrei L. Kleschyov, a senior researcher at Karolinska Institutet and first author of the study, stated, "Our results show that gut bacteria can convert components in food into biologically active molecules that influence important bodily functions."
The research demonstrated that specific gut bacteria can convert dietary nitrate and iron into dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs). These complexes are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported primarily to the liver and kidneys. The nitrate comes from vegetables such as beetroot and spinach, while non-heme iron is sourced from beans, whole grains, and green vegetables.
DNICs are important molecules that facilitate the transport of nitric oxide, which is crucial for various bodily functions but degrades quickly without a stable storage form. Previous research by Kleschyov's team has shown that DNICs can help manage blood pressure, protect against oxidative stress, moderate inflammation, and reduce tissue damage during heart attacks.
The study involved experiments with mice and human tissue that confirmed the presence of DNICs in various tissues, while germ-free mice showed no DNICs, indicating the role of gut microbiota in their formation.
Additionally, increasing DNIC levels improved cardiovascular and metabolic health markers in mouse models. This was achieved either through dietary supplements of nitrate and iron or by administering synthetic DNICs. Mattias Carlström, PhD, and professor of cardiorenal physiology at Karolinska Institutet, noted, "We observed lower blood pressure and improved vascular function, better blood sugar control, and reduced fat accumulation in the liver."
These findings suggest that a vegetable-rich diet may contribute to lower disease risk. However, further research is needed to explore this process in humans. The researchers plan to develop methods to measure DNIC levels in people and investigate how these molecules function in the body, as well as their physiological effects. This research could potentially demonstrate how dietary changes or gut microbiota alterations may influence DNIC levels and help in preventing cardiometabolic diseases.