R. CAESAR ET AL./CELL METABOLISM
The types of lipids mice consume affect the composition of their gut microbiota, which influences whether the animals develop obesity-related inflammation, according to a study published today (August 27) in Cell Metabolism. Mice fed a high-lard diet for 11 weeks developed signs of metabolic disease, while mice fed fish oil remained healthy. When the researchers transplanted gut microbes from fish oil-fed mice to antibiotic-treated mice and then subsequently fed the animals lard, the mice were protected from the typical unhealthy effects of the saturated fat.
“This paper, which had nicely controlled conditions, demonstrated that type of fat is really important for shaping microbial communities and their functional dynamics, which in turn impact our health,” said Vanessa Leone, a postdoc studying host-microbe interactions at the University ...
