Effect of Dietary Magnesium Content on Intestinal Microbiota of Rats

The Effects of Caloric Restriction and Clinical Psychological Intervention on the Interplay of Gut Microbial Composition and Stress in Women

Both mental and metabolic disorders are steadily becoming more prevalent, increasing interest in non-pharmacological lifestyle interventions targeting both types of disorders. However, the combined effect of diet and psychological interventions on the gut microbiome and mental health outcomes remains underexplored. Thus, in this study, we randomized 41 women into two caloric restriction (CR) dietary groups, namely very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) and F.X. Mayr diet (FXM). The patients were then further randomized to either receive clinical psychological intervention (CPI) or no CPI. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after two weeks of CR. Psychometric outcomes were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Brief Symptom Index (BSI), and Burnout Dimension Inventory (BODI). Stool samples underwent 16S-rRNA sequencing. Upon two weeks of CR, α-diversity decreased overall and longitudinal PERMANOVA models revealed significant shifts in β-diversity according to diet, CPI, age, and body-mass-index. Furthermore, Agathobacter, Fusicatenibacter, and Subdoligranulum decreased in abundance. However, the Oscillibacter genus was enriched solely in FXM. CPI had a negligible effect on the microbiome. Dimension reduction models revealed clusters of taxa which distinctly associated with psychometric outcomes. Members of the Oscillospiraceae family were linked to favorable psychometric outcomes after two weeks of CR. Despite α-diversity reductions after CR, enrichment of Oscillospiraceae spp., solely seen in FXM, correlated with improved psychometric outcomes. This study suggests a promising direction for future interventions targeting mental health through gut microbial modulation.

Magnesium Oxide Reduces Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice by Inhibiting Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria

The gut microbiota-brain axis allows for bidirectional communication between the microbes in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system. Psychological stress has been known to disrupt the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) leading to anxiety-like behavior. Pathogens administered into the gut have been reported to cause anxiety. Whether commensal bacteria affect the gut-brain axis is not well understood. In this study, we examined the impact of a commensal sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and its metabolite, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), on anxiety-like behavior. We found that mice gavaged with SRB had increased anxiety-like behavior as measured by the open field test. We also tested the effects of magnesium oxide (MgO) on SRB growth both in vitro and in vivo using a water avoidance stress (WAS) model. We found that MgO inhibited SRB growth and H2S production in a dose-dependent fashion. Mice that underwent psychological stress using the WAS model were observed to have an overgrowth (bloom) of SRB (Deferribacterota) and increased anxiety-like behavior. However, WAS-induced overgrowth of SRB and anxiety-like behavioral effects were attenuated in animals fed a MgO-enriched diet. These findings supported a potential MgO-reversible relationship between WAS-induced SRB blooms and anxiety-like behavior.

Environmental Enrichment Prevents Gut Dysbiosis Progression and Enhances Glucose Metabolism in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is a global health concern implicated in numerous chronic degenerative diseases, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and lipid metabolism disturbances. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of environmental enrichment (EE) to prevent the progression of gut dysbiosis in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome. C57BL/6 male mice with obesity and metabolic syndrome, continuously fed with an HFD, were exposed to EE. We analyzed the gut microbiota of the mice by sequencing the 16s rRNA gene at different intervals, including on day 0 and 12 and 24 weeks after EE exposure. Fasting glucose levels, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, food intake, weight gain, lipid profile, hepatic steatosis, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in serum, adipose tissue, and the colon. We demonstrate that EE intervention prevents the progression of HFD-induced dysbiosis, reducing taxa associated with metabolic syndrome (Tepidimicrobium, Acidaminobacteraceae, and Fusibacter) while promoting those linked to healthy physiology (Syntrophococcus sucrumutans, Dehalobacterium, Prevotella, and Butyricimonas). Furthermore, EE enhances intestinal barrier integrity, increases mucin-producing goblet cell population, and upregulates Muc2 expression in the colon. These alterations correlate with reduced systemic lipopolysaccharide levels and attenuated colon inflammation, resulting in normalized glucose metabolism, diminished adipose tissue inflammation, reduced liver steatosis, improved lipid profiles, and a significant reduction in body weight gain despite mice's continued HFD consumption. Our findings highlight EE as a promising anti-inflammatory strategy for managing obesity-related metabolic dysregulation and suggest its potential in developing probiotics targeting EE-modulated microbial taxa.

Nutritional Support: The Use of Antioxidants in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The problem of treating inflammatory bowel disease continues to be a topic of great interest for researchers. Despite the complexity surrounding their treatment and strategies to prolong periods of remission, there is a promising exploration of various compounds that have potential in combating inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Selenium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are among these compounds, offering a glimpse of hope in the treatment of IBD. These essential minerals not only hold the promise of reducing inflammation in these diseases, but also show the potential to enhance immune function and possibly influence the balance of intestinal microflora. By potentially modulating the gut microbiota, they may help support overall immune health. Furthermore, these compounds could play a crucial role in mitigating inflammation and minimising complications in patients with IBD. Furthermore, the protective effect of these compounds against mucosal damage in IBD and the protective effect of calcium itself against osteoporosis in this group of patients are notable.

Probiotic-driven advancement: Exploring the intricacies of mineral absorption in the human body

The interplay between probiotics and mineral absorption is a topic of growing interest due to its great potential for human well-being. Minerals are vital in various physiological processes, and deficiencies can lead to significant health problems. Probiotics, beneficial microorganisms residing in the gut, have recently gained attention for their ability to modulate mineral absorption and mitigate deficiencies. The aim of the present review is to investigate the intricate connection between probiotics and the absorption of key minerals such as calcium, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. However, variability in probiotic strains, and dosages, alongside the unique composition of individuals in gut microbiota, pose challenges in establishing universal guidelines. An improved understanding of these mechanisms will enable the development of targeted probiotic interventions to optimize mineral absorption and promote human health.

Consistent effects of independent domestication events on the plant microbiota

The effect of plant domestication on plant-microbe interactions remains difficult to prove. In this study, we provide evidence of a domestication effect on the composition and abundance of the plant microbiota. We focused on the genus Phaseolus, which underwent four independent domestication events within two species (P. vulgaris and P. lunatus), providing multiple replicates of a process spanning thousands of years. We targeted Phaseolus seeds to identify a link between domesticated traits and bacterial community composition as Phaseolus seeds have been subject to large and consistent phenotypic changes during these independent domestication events. The seed bacterial communities of representative plant accessions from subpopulations descended from each domestication event were analyzed under controlled and field conditions. The results showed that independent domestication events led to similar seed bacterial community signatures in independently domesticated plant populations, which could be partially explained by selection for common domesticated plant phenotypes. Our results therefore provide evidence of a consistent effect of plant domestication on seed microbial community composition and abundance and offer avenues for applying knowledge of the impact of plant domestication on the plant microbiota to improve microbial applications in agriculture.

Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Nutrition and Its Relationship to Epigenetics

The intestinal microbiota is a community of microorganisms inhabiting the human intestines, potentially influencing both physiological and pathophysiological processes in the human body. Existing evidence suggests that nutrients can influence the modulation of the gut microbiota. However, there is still limited evidence regarding the effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation on the human gut microbiota through epigenetic modification. It is plausible that maintaining an adequate dietary intake of vitamin D, iron, fibre, zinc and magnesium may have a beneficial effect on alleviating inflammation in the body, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the condition of the intestinal microbiota through various epigenetic mechanisms. Moreover, epigenetics involves alterations in the phenotype of a cell without changing its fundamental DNA sequence. It appears that the modulation of the microbiota by various nutrients may lead to epigenetic regulation. The correlations between microbiota and epigenetics are potentially interdependent. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to identify the complex relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and epigenetic regulation. These interactions could play a crucial role in systemic health.

Dietary Magnesium Intake Is Inversely Associated With Ulcerative Colitis: A Case-Control Study

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the gut. Limited observational data are available linking dietary magnesium intake and UC. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between dietary magnesium intake and UC in adults.

Methods

The current population-based case-control study was performed on 109 UC patients and 218 age (±2 years) and sex-matched controls. The diagnosis of UC was made according to the standard criteria by a gastroenterology specialist. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated self-administrated 106-item dish-based Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). We also used a pretested questionnaire to collect data on potential confounders.

Results

Individuals in the top tertile of magnesium intake were less likely to have UC compared with those in the bottom tertile. A significant inverse relationship was found between dietary magnesium intake and UC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.59) in the crude model. This relationship was also observed when we took several potential confounding into account (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.68).

Conclusions

Adherence to a magnesium-rich diet may have a role in preventing UC. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Exploring the human microbiome - A step forward for precision medicine in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The second most frequent cancer in the world and the most common malignancy in women is breast cancer. Breast cancer is a significant health concern in India with a high mortality-to-incidence ratio and presentation at a younger age.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have identified gut microbiota as a significant factor that can have an influence on the development, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer. This review article aims to describe the influence of microbial dysbiosis on breast cancer occurrence and the possible interactions between oncobiome and specific breast cancer molecular subtypes. The review further also discusses the role of epigenetics and diet/nutrition in the regulation of the gut and breast microbiome and its association with breast cancer prevention, therapy, and recurrence. Additionally, the recent technological advances in microbiome research, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, genome sequencing, single-cell sequencing, and microbial metabolomics along with recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have also been reviewed. This is an attempt to present a comprehensive status of the microbiome as a key cancer biomarker.

CONCLUSION

We believe that correlating microbiome and carcinogenesis is important as it can provide insights into the mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis can influence cancer development and progression, leading to the potential use of the microbiome as a tool for prognostication and personalized therapy.

Combined resistant dextrin and low-dose Mg oxide administration increases short-chain fatty acid and lactic acid production by gut microbiota

The consumption of resistant dextrin improves constipation, while its fermentation and degradation by the intestinal microbiota produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and lactic acid, which have beneficial effects on host metabolism and immunity. Mg oxide (MgO) is an important mineral that is used to treat constipation. Therefore, resistant dextrin and MgO are often administered together to improve constipation. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of this combination on SCFA and lactic acid production. Crl:CD1(ICR) mice were fed a Mg-free diet with 5% resistant dextrin, followed by oral administration of MgO. We collected the cecum contents and measured SCFA and lactic acid levels. Additionally, the human subjects received resistant dextrin and Mg supplements as part of their habitual diet. The results of this study demonstrate that intestinal microbiota cannot promote SCFA and lactic acid production in the absence of Mg. In a mouse model, low doses of MgO promoted the production of SCFA and lactic acid, whereas high doses decreased their production. In humans, the combined consumption of resistant dextrin and Mg supplements increased the production of SCFA and lactic acid. The production of SCFA and lactic acid from dietary fiber may be augmented by the presence of MgO.

Association between urinary zinc excretion and isoflavone-metabolizing enterotypes among Japanese females: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Zinc absorption and competition among gut bacteria have been reported in animal studies. Thus, gut bacteria may modify zinc availability in humans. Metabolism of intestinal bacteria is known to be necessary for the activation of several phytoconstituents in the body. For example, equol, a typical substance of soybean isoflavone, is produced by intestinal bacteria metabolizing daidzein and the enterotype is one of distinct ones among Japanese population. The difference in the intestinal microflora can modify the bioavailability of zinc. In this study, we examined urinary zinc concentrations in adult female equol producers (EQPs).

METHODS

Urine samples from women participating in health examinations in Miyagi, Okinawa, Kyoto, Kochi, and Hokkaido prefectures were used; from total 17,484 samples, approximately 25 samples were randomly selected for each age group from 30 to 60 years per region (subsample: n = 520), and 520 samples with available urinary zinc concentration (determined by flame atomic absorption analysis) and enterobacterial type were analyzed. EQP was defined as log(equol/daidzein) ≥ -1.42, and urinary concentrations were corrected for creatinine concentration. Urinary zinc concentrations were compared by Student's t-test and multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

The geometric mean urinary zinc concentration (µg/g-Cr) was lower in EQP than in non-EQP (p = 0.0136 by t-test after logarithm transformation). On the other hand, there was no correlation between urinary zinc concentration with daidzein (r = -0.0495, P = 0.436) and equol concentrations (r = -0.0721, P = 0.256). There was a significant negative association between urinary zinc concentration and EQP (β = -0.392, P = 0.0311) after adjusting with other potential confounding variables, such as daidzein intake.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that gut bacteria that produce equol are involved in the metabolism of zinc. Based on previous studies, the bacteria that affect the metabolism of both substances are thought to be Enterococcus. Future studies are expected to identify specific intestinal bacteria for zinc availability and understand individual differences in the effects of micronutrients.

Structural Alteration of Gut Microbiota During the Amelioration of Chronic Psychological Stress-Aggravated Diabetes-Associated Cognitive Decline by a Traditional Chinese Herbal Formula, ZiBu PiYin Recipe

BACKGROUND

Chronic psychological stress (PS) hinders the treatment of diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD). However, the impact of chronic PS on the risk of developing DACD remains unclear. There is growing evidence that gut flora interventions are promising targets for treating stress-related diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether chronic PS triggers or exacerbates the onset of DACD in rats and aimed to elucidate whether ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR) prevents and treats chronic PS-aggravated DACD by dynamically maintaining the components of the gut microbiota.

METHODS

We performed chronic PS (restraint, rotation, and congestion) on ZDF rats to establish a model. Cognitive function was evaluated by behavioral experiments, and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was detected by ELISA. Weekly feces from rats were collected for 16 S RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

We found that chronic PS promoted cognitive abnormalities and exacerbated DACD phenotypes. Additionally, chronic PS altered intestinal flora diversity, dynamically elevating the abundance of Alistipes and Coprococcus; enriching Module 1 (Dorea, Blautia, Ruminococcus) and Module 48 (Blautia); and inhibiting Module 20 (Lactobacillus, SMB53), and Module 42 (Akkermansia). ZBPYR significantly alleviated hyperglycemia and cognitive impairment in chronic PS-aggravated DACD rats and dynamically reduced the abundance of Alistipes and Coprococcus; significantly enriched Module 3 (Ruminococcus) and Module 45 (Lactobacillus, Coprococcus, SMB53); and suppressed Module 2 (Lactobacillus), Module 16 (Turicibacter, Trichococcus, Lactobacillus, 02d06, Clostridium), Module 23 (Bifidobacterium), and Module 43 (Clostridium).

CONCLUSION

ZBPYR might prevent and treat chronic PS-aggravated DACD by dynamically regulating Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Coprococcus.

Human matters in asthma: Considering the microbiome in pulmonary health

Microbial communities form an important symbiotic ecosystem within humans and have direct effects on health and well-being. Numerous exogenous factors including airborne triggers, diet, and drugs impact these established, but fragile communities across the human lifespan. Crosstalk between the mucosal microbiota and the immune system as well as the gut-lung axis have direct correlations to immune bias that may promote chronic diseases like asthma. Asthma initiation and pathogenesis are multifaceted and complex with input from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental components. In this review, we summarize and discuss the role of the airway microbiome in asthma, and how the environment, diet and therapeutics impact this low biomass community of microorganisms. We also focus this review on the pediatric and Black populations as high-risk groups requiring special attention, emphasizing that the whole patient must be considered during treatment. Although new culture-independent techniques have been developed and are more accessible to researchers, the exact contribution the airway microbiome makes in asthma pathogenesis is not well understood. Understanding how the airway microbiome, as a living entity in the respiratory tract, participates in lung immunity during the development and progression of asthma may lead to critical new treatments for asthma, including population-targeted interventions, or even more effective administration of currently available therapeutics.

The mechanistic effects of human digestion on magnesium oxide nanoparticles: implications for probiotics Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium bifidum VPI 1124

The effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on the human gut microbiota are of high interest due to the link between the gut homeostasis and overall human health. The human intake of metal oxide NPs has increased due to its use in the food industry as food additives. Specifically, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) have been described as antimicrobial and antibiofilm. Therefore, in this work we investigated the effects of the food additive MgO-NPs, on the probiotic and commensal Gram-positive Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium bifidum VPI 1124. The physicochemical characterization showed that food additive MgO is formed by nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) and after a simulated digestion, MgO-NPs partially dissociate into Mg2+. Moreover, nanoparticulate structures containing magnesium were found embedded in organic material. Exposures to MgO-NPs for 4 and 24 hours increased the bacterial viability of both L. rhamnosus and B. bifidum when in biofilms but not when as planktonic cells. High doses of MgO-NPs significantly stimulated the biofilm development of L. rhamnosus, but not B. bifidum. It is likely that the effects are primarily due to the presence of ionic Mg2+. Evidence from the NPs characterization indicate that interactions bacteria/NPs are unfavorable as both structures are negatively charged, which would create repulsive forces.

Hypomagnesemia and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

Hypomagnesemia is tenfold more common in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), compared to the healthy population. Factors that are involved in this high prevalence are low Mg2+ intake, gut microbiome composition, medication use and presumably genetics. Hypomagnesemia is associated with insulin resistance, which subsequently increases the risk to develop T2D or deteriorates glycaemic control in existing diabetes. Mg2+ supplementation decreases T2D associated features like dyslipidaemia and inflammation; which are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse association between serum Mg2+ and the risk to develop heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF) and microvascular disease in T2D. The potential protective effect of Mg2+ on HF and AF may be explained by reduced oxidative stress, fibrosis and electrical remodeling in the heart. In microvascular disease, Mg2+ reduces the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia and improves endothelial dysfunction. Though, clinical studies assessing the effect of long-term Mg2+ supplementation on CVD incidents are lacking and gaps remain on how Mg2+ may reduce CVD risk in T2D. Despite the high prevalence of hypomagnesemia in people with T2D, routine screening of Mg2+ deficiency to provide Mg2+ supplementation when needed is not implemented in clinical care as sufficient clinical evidence is lacking. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia is common in people with T2D and is both involved as cause, probably through molecular mechanisms leading to insulin resistance, and consequence and is prospectively associated with development of HF, AF and microvascular complications. Whether long-term supplementation of Mg2+ is beneficial, however, remains to be determined.

Dietary supplementation with potassium-magnesium sulfate modulates the antioxidant capacity, immunity, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of potassium magnesium sulfateon (PMS) on growth performance, diarrhea rate, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, intestinal immunity, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 216 weaned piglets were randomly divided into six dietary groups: the basal diet with 0% (CON), 0.15, 0.3, 0.45, 0.6, and 0.75% PMS. The results showed that the ADFI of 29–42 days and 1–42 days was linearly and quadratically increased by the PMS supplementation (P < 0.05), and significantly reduced the diarrhea rate in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with PMS significantly reduced the serum adrenaline and noradrenaline levels in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.3% PMS significantly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and tended to increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the jejunal mucosa of piglets (P < 0.1). Additionally, dietary supplementation with PMS significantly reduced the interleukin-1β (IL-1β) level in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), and 0.3% PMS increased the serum IgM content in piglets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis of colonic microbiota by 16S RNA sequencing showed that the addition of PMS increased the Shannon index (P < 0.05) and Observed Species index (P < 0.05). Based on linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and T-test analysis, the addition of PMS increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Peptostreptococcaceae in the colonic digesta (P < 0.05). Spearman analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between intestinal GSH-Px activity and the relative abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae. These results showed that dietary supplementation with PMS could improve growth performance, alleviate diarrhea incidence, and modulate the antioxidant capacity and intestinal immunity in weaned piglets, which was partially related to the significant changes in colonic microbiota composition.

Associations of the Dietary Inflammatory Index with total adiposity and ectopic fat through the gut microbiota, LPS, and C-reactive protein in the Multiethnic Cohort-Adiposity Phenotype Study

BACKGROUND

Mechanisms linking a proinflammatory diet to obesity remain under investigation. The ability of diet to influence the gut microbiome (GM) in creating chronic low-grade systemic inflammation provides a plausible connection to adiposity.

OBJECTIVES

Assess whether any associations seen between the Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII score), total fat mass, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), or liver fat (percentage volume) operated through the GM or microbial related inflammatory factors, in a multiethnic cross-sectional study.

METHODS

In the Multiethnic Cohort-Adiposity Phenotype Study (812 men, 843 women, aged 60-77 y) we tested whether associations between the E-DII and total adiposity, VAT, and liver fat function through the GM, LPS, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). DXA-derived total fat mass, MRI-measured VAT, and MRI-based liver fat were measured. Participants provided stool and fasting blood samples and completed an FFQ. Stool bacterial DNA was amplified and the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced at the V1-V3 region. E-DII score was computed from FFQ data, with a higher E-DII representing a more proinflammatory diet. The associations between E-DII score, GM (10 phyla, 28 genera, α diversity), and adiposity phenotypes were examined using linear regression and mediation analyses, adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

There were positive total effects (c) between E-DII and total fat mass (c = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.90), VAT (c = 4.61; 95% CI: 2.95, 6.27), and liver fat (c = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.53). The association between E-DII score and total fat mass was mediated by LPS, Flavonifractor, [Ruminococcus] gnavus group, and Tyzzerella. The association between E-DII score and ectopic fat occurred indirectly through Fusobacteria, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, Coprococcus 2, Escherichia-Shigella, [Eubacterium] xylanophilum group, Flavonifractor, Lachnoclostridium, [Ruminococcus] gnavus group, Tyzzerella, [Ruminococcus] gnavus group (VAT only), and α diversity (liver fat only). There was no significant association between E-DII score and adiposity phenotype through hs-CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Associations found between E-DII and adiposity phenotypes occurred through the GM and LPS.

Magnesium Orotate and the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis Modulation: New Approaches in Psychological Comorbidities of Gastrointestinal Functional Disorders

Magnesium orotate has been cited in the medical literature for the past three years as a possible adjuvant in some pediatric and adult gastroenterological disorders associated with dysbiosis. Studies also focus on the possibility of adding magnesium orotate in psychiatric disorders' treatment, such as major depression and anxiety. The most relevant element in these studies is the efficiency of magnesium orotate therapy in cases with both gastroenterological and psychiatric symptoms. This article proposes a literature review, focused on the studies published in the last three years, targeting magnesium orotate treatment and probiotic supplementation in patients with both digestive and psychiatric symptoms. Moreover, this review will compare the efficiency of magnesium orotate and probiotics within both the pediatric and adult communities, focusing on the possibility of gut-brain axis modulation and its involvement in the clinical evolution of these patients.

Antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect of Mg2+ in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), characterised by high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). Oxidative stress induces oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, causing tissue damage. Both inflammation and OS contribute to multi-organ failure in severe cases. Magnesium (Mg²⁺ ) regulates many processes, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, as well as the proper functioning of other micronutrients such as vitamin D. In addition, Mg²⁺ participates as a second signalling messenger in the activation of T cells. Therefore, Mg²⁺ deficiency can cause immunodeficiency, exaggerated acute inflammatory response, decreased antioxidant response, and OS. Supplementation with Mg²⁺ has an anti-inflammatory response by reducing the levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin (IL) -6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Furthermore, Mg²⁺ supplementation improves mitochondrial function and increases the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) content, reducing OS. Therefore, Mg²⁺ supplementation is a potential way to reduce inflammation and OS, strengthening the immune system to manage COVID-19. This narrative review will address Mg²⁺ deficiency associated with a worse disease prognosis, Mg²⁺ supplementation as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy during and after COVID-19 disease, and suggest that randomised controlled trials are indicated.

Dietary Magnesium Alleviates Experimental Murine Colitis through Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Nutritional deficiencies are common in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In patients, magnesium (Mg) deficiency is associated with disease severity, while in murine models, dietary Mg supplementation contributes to restoring mucosal function. Since Mg availability modulates key bacterial functions, including growth and virulence, we investigated whether the beneficial effects of Mg supplementation during colitis might be mediated by gut microbiota. The effects of dietary Mg modulation were assessed in a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis by monitoring magnesemia, weight, and fecal consistency. Gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S-rRNA based profiling on fecal samples. Mg supplementation improved microbiota richness in colitic mice, increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and reduced Enterobacteriaceae. KEEG pathway analysis predicted an increase in biosynthetic metabolism, DNA repair and translation pathways during Mg supplementation and in the presence of colitis, while low Mg conditions favored catabolic processes. Thus, dietary Mg supplementation increases bacteria involved in intestinal health and metabolic homeostasis, and reduces bacteria involved in inflammation and associated with human diseases, such as IBD. These findings suggest that Mg supplementation may be a safe and cost-effective strategy to ameliorate disease symptoms and restore a beneficial intestinal flora in IBD patients.

Magnesium supplementation reduces inflammation in rats with induced chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is a common feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD) that appears specifically associated with cardiovascular derangements in CKD patients. Observational studies have revealed a link between low Mg levels and inflammation. In this study, we hypothesize that Mg might have a modulatory effect on the inflammation induced under the uraemic milieu.

METHODS

In vivo studies were performed in a 5/6 nephrectomized rat model of CKD. Furthermore, a possible direct effect of Mg was addressed through in vitro studies with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

RESULTS

Uraemic rats fed a normal (0.1%) Mg diet showed a systemic inflammatory response evidenced by the elevation in plasma of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and GPx activity, a marker of oxidative stress. Importantly, an increased expression of these cytokines in the aortic tissue was also observed. In contrast, a dietary Mg supplementation (0.6%) greatly prevented the oxidative stress and the pro-inflammatory response. In vitro, in VSMCs cultured in a pro-inflammatory high phosphate medium, incubation with Mg 1.6 mM inhibited the increase in the production of ROS, the rise in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 and the activation of NF-κB signalling that was observed in cells incubated with a normal (0.8 mM) Mg.

CONCLUSION

Mg supplementation reduced inflammation associated with CKD, exerting a direct effect on vascular cells. These findings support a possible beneficial effect of Mg supplementation along the clinical management of CKD patients.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota for the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19

The gut microbiota is well known to exert multiple benefits on human health including protection from disease causing pathobiont microbes. It has been recognized that healthy intestinal microbiota is of great importance in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Gut dysbiosis caused by various reasons is associated with severe COVID-19. Therefore, the modulation of gut microbiota and supplementation of commensal bacterial metabolites could reduce the severity of COVID-19. Many approaches have been studied to improve gut microbiota in COVID-19 including probiotics, bacterial metabolites, and prebiotics, as well as nutraceuticals and trace elements. So far, 19 clinical trials for testing the efficacy of probiotics and synbiotics in COVID-19 prevention and treatment are ongoing. In this narrative review, we summarize the effects of various approaches on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and discuss associated mechanisms.

Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Minerals in Relation to a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Adequate amounts of a wide range of micronutrients are needed by body tissues to maintain health. Dietary intake must be sufficient to meet these micronutrient requirements. Mineral deficiency does not seem to be the result of a physically active life or of athletic training but is more likely to arise from disturbances in the quality and quantity of ingested food. The lack of some minerals in the body appears to be symbolic of the modern era reflecting either the excessive intake of empty calories or a negative energy balance from drastic weight-loss diets. Several animal studies provide convincing evidence for an association between dietary micronutrient availability and microbial composition in the gut. However, the influence of human gut microbiota on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of trace elements in human food has rarely been studied. Bacteria play a role by effecting mineral bioavailability and bioaccessibility, which are further increased through the fermentation of cereals and the soaking and germination of crops. Moreover, probiotics have a positive effect on iron, calcium, selenium, and zinc in relation to gut microbiome composition and metabolism. The current literature reveals the beneficial effects of bacteria on mineral bioaccessibility and bioavailability in supporting both the human gut microbiome and overall health. This review focuses on interactions between the gut microbiota and several minerals in sport nutrition, as related to a physically active lifestyle.