INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF DIET ON GUT MICROBIOME COMPOSITION AND IMMUNE FUNCTION

Abstract

The human gut microbiome plays a central role in maintaining physiological and immune homeostasis, with growing evidence indicating its modulation by dietary patterns. Disruptions in microbial composition, known as dysbiosis, are increasingly linked to chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. Understanding how specific dietary components influence microbial diversity and immune function is therefore essential for preventive and therapeutic strategies.This study investigated the impact of various dietary interventions—including fiber-rich, probiotic, and high-fat diets—on gut microbiome composition and immune modulation. High-throughput sequencing techniques, including 16S rRNA and metagenomic analysis, were employed to profile microbial communities from fecal samples, while immune biomarkers were quantified using ELISA and flow cytometry. Microbial diversity metrics, SCFA concentrations, and cytokine profiles were analyzed and correlated with dietary intake using multivariate statistical models.The findings revealed that fiber- and probiotic-enriched diets significantly enhanced microbial diversity and increased the abundance of beneficial taxa such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These shifts were associated with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, while high-fat and high-sugar diets correlated with reduced microbial richness, elevated pro-inflammatory markers, and impaired gut barrier integrity.Overall, the study demonstrates that targeted dietary interventions can meaningfully alter gut microbial ecosystems and modulate immune responses. These results emphasize the potential of nutritional strategies to enhance gut and immune health, reduce systemic inflammation, and prevent chronic disease onset. Future longitudinal studies and personalized nutrition approaches will be essential to optimize dietary recommendations based on individual microbiome profiles.