The age-old adage “you are what you eat” has long influenced food habits of people in all cultural settings across the globe.

This belief is now backed by a growing body of scientific research that shows that diet can regulate biological pathways and organ function, and thus contribute to or slow chronic conditions, including obesity and heart diseases.

The secret ingredient for this recipe for good health is the microbiome in our gut. In fact, a strong link between our diet, gut microbes and brain function—like neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s—has now been established. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.

Diving deep into the gut, a team of scientists from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and the ASEAN Microbiome and Nutrition Centre (AMNC) are exploring the mechanisms of how gut microbes in the intestines communicate with the brain.

Referring to the pool of bacteria residing in the digestive system, the gut microbiome secretes a plethora of metabolites that circulate in the bloodstream and regulate various organ functions.

“Thirty per cent of the metabolites in the bloodstream originate from microbiota, making them an elegant way to communicate with any organ in the body,” shared Professor Sven Pettersson, Director of AMNC and Principal Investigator with the Department of Research at NNI, who is spearheading studies to understand the communication pathways that exist between the gut and the brain.

His team found that exposure to environmental microorganisms produced gut microbial metabolites, such as indoles and butyrate, induce the formation of new neurons in the adult brain. As gut microbes respond rapidly to dietary changes, Pettersson’s findings suggest that using specially formulated dietary interventions could guide microbial function in a way that better supports existing neurons as well as the renewal of new neurons that may help protects against age-related brain disorders.

The findings from this study as well as others at AMNC, a partnership between NNI and Sunway University, Malaysia, are set to position food intervention as a possible next generation treatment plan for people with ageing-related chronic illnesses. The Centre is working closely with doctors and healthcare workers to ensure that their findings are translated into innovative dietary solutions.

“The AMNC is a scientific innovation engine with a clear focus to develop knowhow,” said Pettersson, that can be translated to stakeholders such as small food companies, so they can generate food programmes for healthcare institutions.  

Adapted by Sruthi Jagannathan from The key to healthy ageing lies in trusting your gut microbes - SingHealth