The Estimated Intake of S100B Relates to Microbiota Biodiversity in Different Diets

TL;DR

This study shows that diets rich in S100B protein, like the Mediterranean diet, are linked to higher gut microbiota diversity and lower risk of Crohn’s disease.

Contribution

This is the first study to estimate dietary S100B exposure and link it to gut microbiota biodiversity and chronic disease risk.

Findings

A moderate positive correlation (R2 = 0.537) was found between dietary S100B concentration and gut microbiota diversity (Shannon index).

Western-style diets with low S100B levels showed a higher relative risk for Crohn’s disease (R2 = 0.780).

Higher S100B intake, such as in the Mediterranean diet, is associated with increased microbial alpha-diversity.

Abstract

The S100B protein, known for its role in the central and enteric nervous systems, has recently been identified in dietary sources such as milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Given its potential interaction with the gut microbiota, this study explores the relationship between dietary intake of S100B and microbiota biodiversity across different diets. A comprehensive study was conducted, estimating S100B concentrations in 13 dietary patterns recommended in different countries. This is the first study to provide a comparative estimation of S100B exposure from the diet and to explore its potential ecological and epidemiological relevance. The association between S100B levels and microbiota biodiversity was statistically analyzed, showing a direct correlation. Microbial diversity was assessed using the Shannon index, based on data extracted from studies reporting microbiota composition across dietary patterns. Additionally, the relative risk of Crohn’s disease was assessed in different populations to examine potential links between dietary patterns, S100B, and chronic disease prevention. A moderate positive correlation (R2 = 0.537) was found between S100B concentration and Shannon index, suggesting that diets higher in S100B (e.g., Mediterranean diet) were associated with higher microbial alpha-diversity. Furthermore, Western-style diets, with the lowest S100B levels, exhibited a higher relative risk for Crohn’s disease (R2 = 0.780). These findings highlight the potential role of dietary S100B content in modulating gut microbiota diversity and reducing chronic disease risk.

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