The edible plant microbiome: evidence for the occurrence of fruit and vegetable bacteria in the human gut

Summary

This study, published in Gut Microbes (2023), investigates the 'edible plant microbiome' as a potential source of live microorganisms that colonise or transiently inhabit the human gut. Using comparative microbiome analyses, the authors present evidence that bacterial taxa associated with fruits and vegetables can be detected in human gut samples, suggesting dietary intake of fresh produce may contribute to gut microbial diversity. The findings have implications for understanding how farming practices, food processing, and dietary patterns shape the human gut microbiome.

UK applicability

While the study is international in scope, the findings are broadly applicable to UK dietary and public health contexts, particularly given UK interest in dietary microbiome modulation and the role of fresh produce consumption in gut health. UK researchers and policy bodies concerned with food-based approaches to gut health may find the evidence relevant to dietary guidance.

Key measures

Microbiome composition (16S rRNA or metagenomic sequencing); bacterial taxa shared between plant and human gut samples; relative abundance of plant-derived bacteria in gut microbiome

Outcomes reported

The study examined whether bacteria originating from edible plants (fruits and vegetables) can be detected in the human gut microbiome, providing evidence for dietary transmission of plant-associated microorganisms to the gastrointestinal tract.

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