What effect does wine have on the gut
microbiome?
Despite having little control of the GM we were dealt early in life, one of the
major ways we influence it daily is through diet. We know that foods, food
additives, and environmental toxins can change our gut bacteria for better or
worse. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can drastically improve our GM
for the better, but what effect does alcohol have?
It turns out, wine and your gut are health partners. The
compounds found in red wine specifically appear to have a beneficial impact on
our GM affecting the overall composition, determining which species grow and
flourish as well as which ones are inhibited. Larrosa et al. (2009) studied the
effect of resveratrol on the colon microbiota and observed an increase in
beneficial Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria while inhibiting bacteria such as E.
Coli and others associated with urinary tract infections. These beneficial
associations have not otherwise been observed with other alcoholic beverages
such as white wine, beer, cider, or spirits.
Red wine naturally contains the antioxidants polyphenols. These compounds
originating from the skin and seeds of the grapes have been associated with
diversifying bacteria which is known to be beneficial to human health.
Red wine is linked with heart health as it increases the good “HDL”
cholesterol while decreasing the bad “LDL” cholesterol. As it turns
out, part of this process may start in the gut. Unfortunately, some of the bad
bacteria can promote plaque buildup in our arteries. Studies in rodents have
demonstrated that those treated with resveratrol had reduced plaque buildup.
Wine and your gut impact weight stability. Resveratrol has
also been shown to have an anti-obesity effect as it appears to reduce the
bacteria associated with weight gain (Firmicutes) while promoting a species
that promotes energy metabolism and satiety (Bacteroidetes). Another study done
in humans followed 720 adolescents over 22 years and found that wine drinkers
(as opposed to beer and spirit drinkers) had less weight gain. Good news for
wine lovers who are keen to maintain healthy body weight.
Studies done through King's College in London, the USA’s “Gut Project”, and
Belgium’s “The Flemish Gut Flora Project” confirm these findings.
What is the take home message?
One of the studies leading authors, Dr Le Roy sums it up nicely stating:
"Although we observed an association between red wine consumption and the gut microbiota diversity, drinking red wine rarely, such as once every two weeks, seems to be enough to observe an effect. If you must choose one alcoholic drink today, red wine is the one to pick as it seems to potentially exert a beneficial effect on you and your gut microbes, which in turn may also help weight and risk of heart disease. However, it is still advised to consume alcohol with moderation."
In conclusion, there is good evidence that the compounds found in red wine can
directly impact the gut microbiome by helping decrease cholesterol, prevent
weight gain, keep you satiated after a meal, and prevent bad bugs. However,
like all of the great things in life, moderation and balance is key.
Here's to wine and your a healthier gut!
1) Le Roy, C. I., Wells, P. M., Si, J., Raes, J., Bell, J.
T., & Spector, T. D. (2019). Red Wine Consumption Associated With Increased
Gut Microbiota α-diversity in 3 Independent Cohorts. Gastroenterology.
doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.08.024
2) Danneskiold-Samsøe, N. B., de Freitas Queiroz Barros, H.
D., Santos, R., Bicas, J. L., Cazarin, C. B. B., Madsen, L., … Junior, M. R. M.
(2018). Interplay between food and gut microbiota in health and disease. Food
Research International. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2018.07.043
3) Larrosa, M., Yañéz-Gascón, M. J., Selma, M. V.,
González-Sarrías, A., Toti, S., Cerón, J. J., … Espín, J. C. (2009). Effect of
a Low Dose of Dietary Resveratrol on Colon Microbiota, Inflammation and Tissue
Damage in a DSS-Induced Colitis Rat Model. Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry, 57(6), 2211–2220. doi:10.1021/jf803638d
4) Naumovski, N., Panagiotakos, D. B., & D’Cunha, N. M.
(2019). Untangling the two-way relationship between red wine polyphenols and
gut microbiota. Gastroenterology. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.10.015
5) Cordova, A. C. & Sumpio, B. E. (2009). Polyphenols
are medicine: Is it time to prescribe red wine for our patients? International
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6) Poudel P, Ismailova K, Andersen LB, et al. Adolescent
wine consumption is inversely associated with long-term weight gain: results
from follow-up of 20 or 22 years. Nutr J 2019;18:56.
7) Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Resveratrol: How Much Wine
Do You Have to Drink to Stay Healthy? Adv Nutr 2016;7:706-718.
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Steinert, R. E. (2017). Cardiovascular and Antiobesity Effects of Resveratrol
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