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Goodson M. ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering Special Issue Editorial: Design and Evaluation of Engineered Probiotics. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5098-5100. [PMID: 37691547 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
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2
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Coleman JL, Hatch-McChesney A, Small SD, Allen JT, Sullo E, Agans RT, Fagnant HS, Bukhari AS, Karl JP. Orally Ingested Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics as Countermeasures for Respiratory Tract Infections in Nonelderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2277-2295. [PMID: 35948276 PMCID: PMC9776651 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of gut microbiota-targeted interventions on the incidence, duration, and severity of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in nonelderly adults, and factors moderating any such effects, are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of orally ingested probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics compared with placebo on RTI incidence, duration, and severity in nonelderly adults, and to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Studies were identified by searching CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2021. English-language, peer-reviewed publications of randomized, placebo-controlled studies that tested an orally ingested probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic intervention of any dose for ≥1 wk in adults aged 18-65 y were included. Results were synthesized using intention-to-treat and per-protocol random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB2). Forty-two manuscripts reporting effects of probiotics (n = 38), prebiotics (n = 2), synbiotics (n = 1) or multiple -biotic types (n = 1) were identified (n = 9179 subjects). Probiotics reduced the risk of experiencing ≥1 RTI (relative risk = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.98; P = 0.01), and total days (rate ratio = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.83; P < 0.001), duration (Hedges' g = -0.23; 95% CI: -0.39, -0.08; P = 0.004), and severity (Hedges' g = -0.16; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.03; P = 0.02) of RTIs. Effects were relatively consistent across different strain combinations, doses, and durations, although reductions in RTI duration were larger with fermented dairy as the delivery matrix, and beneficial effects of probiotics were not observed in physically active populations. Overall risk of bias was rated as "some concerns" for most studies. In conclusion, orally ingested probiotics, relative to placebo, modestly reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of RTIs in nonelderly adults. Physical activity and delivery matrix may moderate some of these effects. Whether prebiotic and synbiotic interventions confer similar protection remains unclear due to few relevant studies. This trial was registered at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42020220213.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Coleman
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick,
MA, USA
- Oak Ride Institute of Science and Education, Belcamp, MD,
USA
| | | | - Stephanie D Small
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick,
MA, USA
- Oak Ride Institute of Science and Education, Belcamp, MD,
USA
| | - Jillian T Allen
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick,
MA, USA
- Oak Ride Institute of Science and Education, Belcamp, MD,
USA
| | - Elaine Sullo
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Richard T Agans
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
- PARSONS Government Services, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Heather S Fagnant
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick,
MA, USA
| | - Asma S Bukhari
- US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick,
MA, USA
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Sanborn V, Aljumaah M, Azcarate-Peril MA, Gunstad J. Examining the cognitive benefits of probiotic supplementation in physically active older adults: A randomized clinical trial. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022; 47:871-882. [PMID: 35617704 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of dementia is projected to increase with the growing older adult population and prevention strategies are urgently needed. Two promising interventions include physical activity (PA) and probiotic supplementation, with initial findings suggesting their combined use may confer greater cognitive benefits than either intervention alone. However, no study has yet examined the effects of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function in healthy, physically active older adults. The present study used archival data from a randomized clinical trial including 127 physically active, middle-aged to older adults (avg age 64.3 years) with self-reported PA levels meeting or exceeding recommendations to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; L.GG) on cognitive outcomes. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed no significant changes in cognitive performance from baseline to follow up as an effect of L.GG consumption. These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may not improve cognitive function in persons already engaged in high levels of PA. Future research should include prospective studies to determine whether long-term use of probiotic supplementation may help prevent cognitive decline. Novelty: • Initial research shows promising cognitive benefits of combined physical activity and probiotics consumption. • L.GG did not lead to acute cognitive improvements for older adults already meeting physical activity guidelines. • Prospective studies examining prevention of cognitive decline with probiotics in healthy and clinical samples are much needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sanborn
- Kent State University, 4229, Psychological Sciences, 600 Hilltop Drive, Kent, Ohio, United States, 44242;
| | - Mashael Aljumaah
- University of North Carolina System, 2332, Department of Medicine, and UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.,North Carolina State University at Raleigh, 6798, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States;
| | - M Andrea Azcarate-Peril
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 6797, Department of Medicine, and UNC Microbiome Core, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States;
| | - John Gunstad
- Kent State University College of Arts and Sciences, 142731, Psychological Sciences; Brain Health Research Institute, Kent, Ohio, United States;
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Pearce SC, Karl JP, Zachos NC. Editorial: Host-Microbiome Interactions and Influence on Performance During Acute Environmental, Nutritional, Physical, and Cognitive Stress, Volume II. Front Physiol 2022; 13:894922. [PMID: 35464094 PMCID: PMC9026179 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.894922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Pearce
- National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, USDA-ARS, Ames, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Sarah C. Pearce,
| | - J. Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Zachos
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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5
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Varanoske AN, McClung HL, Sepowitz JJ, Halagarda CJ, Farina EK, Berryman CE, Lieberman HR, McClung JP, Pasiakos SM, Philip Karl J. Stress and the gut-brain axis: Cognitive performance, mood state, and biomarkers of blood-brain barrier and intestinal permeability following severe physical and psychological stress. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:383-393. [PMID: 35131441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical and psychological stress alter gut-brain axis activity, potentially causing intestinal barrier dysfunction that may, in turn, induce cognitive and mood impairments through exacerbated inflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. These interactions are commonly studied in animals or artificial laboratory environments. However, military survival training provides an alternative and unique human model for studying the impacts of severe physical and psychological stress on the gut-brain axis in a realistic environment. PURPOSE To determine changes in intestinal barrier and BBB permeability during stressful military survival training and identify relationships between those changes and markers of stress, inflammation, cognitive performance, and mood state. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-one male U.S. Marines (25.2 ± 2.6 years) were studied during Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. Measurements were conducted on day 2 of the 10-day classroom phase of training (PRE), following completion of the 7.5-day field-based simulation phase of the training (POST), and following a 27-day recovery period (REC). Fat-free mass (FFM) was measured to assess the overall physiologic impact of the training. Biomarkers of intestinal permeability (liposaccharide-binding protein [LBP]) and BBB permeability (S100 calcium-binding protein B [S100B]), stress (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S] epinephrine, norepinephrine) and inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) were measured in blood. Cognitive performance was assessed by psychomotor vigilance (PVT) and grammatical reasoning (GR) tests, and mood state by the Profile of Mood States (total mood disturbance; TMD), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health (PHQ-9) questionnaires. RESULTS FFM, psychomotor vigilance, and LBP decreased from PRE to POST, while TMD, anxiety, and depression scores, and S100B, DHEA-S, IL-6, norepinephrine, and epinephrine concentrations all increased (all p ≤ 0.01). Increases in DHEA-S were associated with decreases in body mass (p = 0.015). Decreases in FFM were associated with decreases in LBP concentrations (p = 0.015), and both decreases in FFM and LBP were associated with increases in TMD and depression scores (all p < 0.05) but not with changes in cognitive performance. Conversely, increases in S100B concentrations were associated with decreases in psychomotor vigilance (p < 0.05) but not with changes in mood state or LBP concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Evidence of increased intestinal permeability was not observed in this military survival training-based model of severe physical and psychological stress. However, increased BBB permeability was associated with stress and cognitive decline, while FFM loss was associated with mood disturbance, suggesting that distinct mechanisms may contribute to decrements in cognitive performance and mood state during the severe physical and psychological stress experienced during military survival training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa N Varanoske
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Holly L McClung
- Biophysics and Biomedical Modeling Division, USARIEM, Natick, MA, USA
| | - John J Sepowitz
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA
| | | | - Emily K Farina
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA
| | - Claire E Berryman
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA; Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Harris R Lieberman
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA
| | - James P McClung
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA
| | | | - J Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), Natick, MA, USA.
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6
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Sayers B, Wijeyesekera A, Gibson G. Exploring the potential of prebiotic and polyphenol-based dietary interventions for the alleviation of cognitive and gastrointestinal perturbations associated with military specific stressors. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Hughes RL, Holscher HD. Fueling Gut Microbes: A Review of the Interaction between Diet, Exercise, and the Gut Microbiota in Athletes. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:2190-2215. [PMID: 34229348 PMCID: PMC8634498 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The athlete's goal is to optimize their performance. Towards this end, nutrition has been used to improve the health of athletes' brains, bones, muscles, and cardiovascular system. However, recent research suggests that the gut and its resident microbiota may also play a role in athlete health and performance. Therefore, athletes should consider dietary strategies in the context of their potential effects on the gut microbiota, including the impact of sports-centric dietary strategies (e.g., protein supplements, carbohydrate loading) on the gut microbiota as well as the effects of gut-centric dietary strategies (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics) on performance. This review provides an overview of the interaction between diet, exercise, and the gut microbiota, focusing on dietary strategies that may impact both the gut microbiota and athletic performance. Current evidence suggests that the gut microbiota could, in theory, contribute to the effects of dietary intake on athletic performance by influencing microbial metabolite production, gastrointestinal physiology, and immune modulation. Common dietary strategies such as high protein and simple carbohydrate intake, low fiber intake, and food avoidance may adversely impact the gut microbiota and, in turn, performance. Conversely, intake of adequate dietary fiber, a variety of protein sources, and emphasis on unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 (ɷ-3) fatty acids, in addition to consumption of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, have shown promising results in optimizing athlete health and performance. Ultimately, while this is an emerging and promising area of research, more studies are needed that incorporate, control, and manipulate all 3 of these elements (i.e., diet, exercise, and gut microbiome) to provide recommendations for athletes on how to "fuel their microbes."
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley L Hughes
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hannah D Holscher
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Division of Nutrition Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Goodson MS, Barbato RA, Karl JP, Indest K, Kelley-Loughnane N, Kokoska R, Mauzy C, Racicot K, Varaljay V, Soares J. Meeting report of the fourth annual Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium symposium. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2021; 16:16. [PMID: 34419149 PMCID: PMC8380359 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-021-00384-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium (TSMC) was founded to enhance collaboration, coordination, and communication of microbiome research among U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) organizations. The annual TSMC symposium is designed to enable information sharing between DoD scientists and leaders in the field of microbiome science, thereby keeping DoD consortium members informed of the latest advances within the microbiome community and facilitating the development of new collaborative research opportunities. The 2020 annual symposium was held virtually on 24-25 September 2020. Presentations and discussions centered on microbiome-related topics within four broad thematic areas: (1) Enabling Technologies; (2) Microbiome for Health and Performance; (3) Environmental Microbiome; and (4) Microbiome Analysis and Discovery. This report summarizes the presentations and outcomes of the 4th annual TSMC symposium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Goodson
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Robyn A Barbato
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center - Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - J Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Karl Indest
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Robert Kokoska
- Physical Sciences Directorate, United States Army Research Laboratory - United States Army Research Office, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Camilla Mauzy
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Kenneth Racicot
- Soldier Effectiveness Directorate, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Vanessa Varaljay
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Jason Soares
- Soldier Effectiveness Directorate, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA, USA
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9
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de Marco Castro E, Murphy CH, Roche HM. Targeting the Gut Microbiota to Improve Dietary Protein Efficacy to Mitigate Sarcopenia. Front Nutr 2021; 8:656730. [PMID: 34235167 PMCID: PMC8256992 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.656730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is characterised by the presence of diminished skeletal muscle mass and strength. It is relatively common in older adults as ageing is associated with anabolic resistance (a blunted muscle protein synthesis response to dietary protein consumption and resistance exercise). Therefore, interventions to counteract anabolic resistance may benefit sarcopenia prevention and are of utmost importance in the present ageing population. There is growing speculation that the gut microbiota may contribute to sarcopenia, as ageing is also associated with [1) dysbiosis, whereby the gut microbiota becomes less diverse, lacking in healthy butyrate-producing microorganisms and higher in pathogenic bacteria, and [2) loss of epithelial tight junction integrity in the lining of the gut, leading to increased gut permeability and higher metabolic endotoxemia. Animal data suggest that both elements may impact muscle physiology, but human data corroborating the causality of the association between gut microbiota and muscle mass and strength are lacking. Mechanisms wherein the gut microbiota may alter anabolic resistance include an attenuation of gut-derived low-grade inflammation and/or the increased digestibility of protein-containing foods and consequent higher aminoacidemia, both in favour of muscle protein synthesis. This review focuses on the putative links between the gut microbiota and skeletal muscle in the context of sarcopenia. We also address the issue of plant protein digestibility because plant proteins are increasingly important from an environmental sustainability perspective, yet they are less efficient at stimulating muscle protein synthesis than animal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena de Marco Castro
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, UCD Conway Institute, UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caoileann H Murphy
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, UCD Conway Institute, UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Helen M Roche
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, UCD Conway Institute, UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Karl JP, Margolis LM, Fallowfield JL, Child RB, Martin NM, McClung JP. Military nutrition research: Contemporary issues, state of the science and future directions. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:87-98. [PMID: 33980120 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1930192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The importance of diet and nutrition to military readiness and performance has been recognized for centuries as dietary nutrients sustain health, protect against illness, and promote resilience, performance and recovery. Contemporary military nutrition research is increasingly inter-disciplinary with emphasis often placed on the broad topics of (1) determining operational nutrition requirements in all environments, (2) characterizing nutritional practices of military personnel relative to the required (role/environment) standards, and (3) developing strategies for improving nutrient delivery and individual choices. This review discusses contemporary issues shared internationally by military nutrition research programmes, and highlights emerging topics likely to influence future military nutrition research and policy. Contemporary issues include improving the diet quality of military personnel, optimizing operational rations, and increasing understanding of biological factors influencing nutrient requirements. Emerging areas include the burgeoning field of precision nutrition and its technological enablers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Lee M Margolis
- Military Nutrition Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA
| | - Joanne L Fallowfield
- Environmental Medicine and Science Division, Institute of Naval Medicine, Alverstoke, Hampshire, UK
| | - Robert B Child
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicola M Martin
- New Zealand Army, New Zealand Defence Force, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - James P McClung
- Military Nutrition Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, USA
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11
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Karl JP. Gut Microbiota-targeted Interventions for Reducing the Incidence, Duration, and Severity of Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Non-elderly Adults. Mil Med 2021; 186:e310-e318. [PMID: 33137200 PMCID: PMC7665594 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory tract infections (RTI), such as those caused by influenza viruses and, more recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, pose a significant burden to military health care systems and force readiness. The gut microbiota influences immune function, is malleable, and may provide a target for interventions aiming to reduce RTI burden. This narrative review summarizes existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, all of which are gut microbiota-targeted interventions, for reducing the burden of RTI in military-relevant populations (i.e., healthy non-elderly adults). MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search strategy was used to identify recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials conducted in healthy non-elderly adults which examined effects of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics on the incidence, duration, and/or severity of RTI, or on immune responses to vaccinations against viruses that cause RTI. Relevant randomized controlled clinical trials not included in those reports were also identified. RESULTS Meta-analyses and multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that certain probiotic strains may reduce the incidence, duration, and/or severity of RTI and improve immune responses to vaccination against RTI-causing pathogens in various populations including healthy non-elderly adults. Fewer randomized controlled trials have examined the effects of prebiotics or synbiotics on RTI-related outcomes in healthy non-elderly adults. Nevertheless, some studies conducted within that population and other populations have observed that certain prebiotics and synbiotics reduce the incidence, duration, and/or severity of RTI or improve immune responses to vaccinations against RTI-causing viruses. However, across all product classes, not all product formulations have shown benefit, and most have not been tested in multiple randomized controlled trials in military-relevant populations. CONCLUSION Dietary supplementation with certain gut microbiota-targeted interventions, and certain probiotics in particular, may provide viable strategies for reducing RTI-related illness in military personnel. Research in military populations is warranted to fully understand the magnitude of any military health and cost benefits, and to establish definitive recommendations for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA
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12
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Effects of the Human Gut Microbiota on Cognitive Performance, Brain Structure and Function: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12103009. [PMID: 33007941 PMCID: PMC7601389 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancing or preserving cognitive performance of personnel working in stressful, demanding and/or high tempo environments is vital for optimal performance. Emerging research suggests that the human gut microbiota may provide a potential avenue to enhance cognition. This review examines the relationship between the human gut microbiota, including modulators of the microbiota on cognition and/or brain function. For this narrative review, a total of n = 17 relevant human research items of a possible 1765 published between January 2010 and November 2018 were identified. Two overarching design methods for synthesis were observed: correlational or pre/post intervention. Limited correlational design studies linking microbiota to cognitive/brain structure endpoints existed (n = 5); however, correlations between microbiota diversity and enhanced cognitive flexibility and executive function were observed. Gut microbiota intervention studies to improve cognition or brain function (n = 12) generally resulted in improved cognition (11/12), in which improvements were observed in visuospatial memory, verbal learning and memory, and aspects of attentional vigilance. Limited studies were available to draw a detailed conclusion; however, available evidence suggests that gut microbiota is linked to cognitive performance and that manipulation of gut microbiota could be a promising avenue for enhancing cognition which warrants further research.
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13
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Karl JP, Barbato RA, Doherty LA, Gautam A, Glaven SM, Kokoska RJ, Leary D, Mickol RL, Perisin MA, Hoisington AJ, Van Opstal EJ, Varaljay V, Kelley-Loughnane N, Mauzy CA, Goodson MS, Soares JW. Meeting report of the third annual Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium symposium. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2020; 15:12. [PMID: 32835172 PMCID: PMC7356122 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-020-00359-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium (TSMC) was founded to enhance collaboration, coordination, and communication of microbiome research among U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) organizations and to facilitate resource, material and information sharing among consortium members. The 2019 annual symposium was held 22-24 October 2019 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Presentations and discussions centered on microbiome-related topics within five broad thematic areas: 1) human microbiomes; 2) transitioning products into Warfighter solutions; 3) environmental microbiomes; 4) engineering microbiomes; and 5) microbiome simulation and characterization. Collectively, the symposium provided an update on the scope of current DoD microbiome research efforts, highlighted innovative research being done in academia and industry that can be leveraged by the DoD, and fostered collaborative opportunities. This report summarizes the presentations and outcomes of the 3rd annual TSMC symposium.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Philip Karl
- Military Nutrition Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA USA
| | - Robyn A. Barbato
- United States Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH USA
| | - Laurel A. Doherty
- Soldier Performance Optimization Directorate, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA USA
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD USA
| | - Sarah M. Glaven
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC USA
| | - Robert J. Kokoska
- Physical Sciences Directorate, United States Army Research Laboratory – United States Army Research Office, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC USA
| | - Dagmar Leary
- Center for Biomolecular Science & Engineering, United States Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Matthew A. Perisin
- Biotechnology Branch, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command-Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD USA
| | - Andrew J. Hoisington
- Department of Systems Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH USA
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education, Aurora, CO USA
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Edward J. Van Opstal
- Human Systems Directorate, Office of the Underscretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, Washington, DC USA
| | - Vanessa Varaljay
- Soft Matter Materials Branch, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH USA
| | - Nancy Kelley-Loughnane
- Soft Matter Materials Branch, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH USA
| | - Camilla A. Mauzy
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH USA
| | - Michael S. Goodson
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH USA
| | - Jason W. Soares
- Soldier Performance Optimization Directorate, United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick, MA USA
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