A recent study in Cell explored the different microbes (tiny organisms like bacteria) in food and how they affect the microbes in our bodies. The researchers created a new resource called curatedFoodMetagenomicData (cFMD) to gather and share information about food microbes.
Why is this important?
Microbes are essential in food science. They help preserve food and improve its quality, safety, and health benefits, especially through fermentation (like in yogurt or pickles). However, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the full range of microbes in food. Thanks to new technologies, scientists can now better understand these microbes, but there’s still more to discover, especially about how they impact our health.
What did the study do?
The researchers collected samples from 1,950 new food items from around the world and also used data from 583 previously studied foods. These foods came from 50 countries, mostly in Asia, Europe, and North America. The samples were grouped into different types, like fermented (like sauerkraut) and non-fermented (like fresh fish). They then analyzed the DNA from these samples to see which microbes were present.
From the analysis, the team found a total of 2,512 unique food samples. They used advanced tools to group these microbes into different species, identifying both known species and 320 completely new species.
What did the researchers find?
The study found over 27,000 different microbial genomes (the complete genetic material of microbes) from food, which they narrowed down to 10,112 high-quality genomes. These were grouped into 1,036 species specifically associated with food. A large portion of these microbes came from dairy products, but they also found many from other foods like fermented vegetables and fish.
Interestingly, half of the food-associated microbes were known species, especially those commonly found in dairy products. However, many were new or unknown species, which shows there’s still a lot to learn about the diversity of microbes in different foods.
Connections to the human body
The study didn’t just stop at food. It also looked at the connection between food microbes and the microbes in the human body, especially the gut. They found that some bacteria from food also live in our bodies, particularly in infants. Species like *Lactobacillus* and *Streptococcus* were found in both food and human samples, suggesting that these microbes might pass from food to humans.
The researchers also found that certain fungi, like yeast (*Saccharomyces cerevisiae*), are common in both food and the human body, showing just how complex and diverse these food microbes are.
What does this mean?
The study created a valuable new resource for understanding the microbes in food. It identified many new species and showed how food microbes might influence the human microbiome, especially in infants. This research could be important for improving food safety, understanding food-related health benefits, and even tracing food origins through its microbial signatures.
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While whey isolate protein powder may not contain the same microbes discussed in the study, it plays a key role in supporting overall gut health in other important ways. As a highly purified source of protein, whey isolate delivers essential amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are crucial for the repair and maintenance of gut lining cells. These cells form a barrier that helps protect the body from harmful pathogens and maintain a balanced environment for beneficial microbes to thrive.
In addition, whey isolate protein supports the production of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that aids in reducing oxidative stress in gut tissues. By protecting gut cells from damage and promoting tissue repair, glutathione helps to maintain a healthy gut environment, indirectly fostering a more balanced microbiome. For those with lactose sensitivities, whey isolate’s low lactose content ensures that it can be consumed without disrupting digestion, making it an ideal protein choice for individuals focused on supporting gut health without the risk of bloating or discomfort.
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