Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Adolescents with Mediterranean and Western Diets

Dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the Western diet (WD), influence gut microbiota composition and functionality, which play important roles in energy metabolism and nutrient absorption. The gut microbiota of 19 Spanish adolescents following these diets was studied to investigate their association with microbial diversity and community structure. Functional diversity was evaluated using Biolog EcoPlates, taxonomic composition was assessed with 16S rRNA sequencing via MinION, and phenotypic responses to antibiotics were analyzed using the technic of cenoantibiogram under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Adolescents with high adherence to the MD exhibited greater functional diversity. Under aerobic conditions, no significant differences in MIC values were observed, but under anaerobic conditions, individuals with low adherence to the MD showed lower MICs for most antibiotics tested. The MD group also showed higher abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as Paraclostridium, Anaerobutyricum, Romboutsia, and Butyricicoccus. In contrast, the WD group had a microbiota composition similar to that of the low-MD group, characterized by decreased abundance of beneficial genera and an altered microbial profile. These results suggest that the MD promotes a healthier and more balanced gut environment, potentially improving metabolic functions in adolescents. The outcomes of this study highlight opportunities for future research to deepen understanding of the long-term health implications of these dietary patterns, as well as the mechanisms regulating the composition and functionality of gut microbial communities.