Recent research involving over 50,000 individuals worldwide found that higher levels of the gut microbe Blastocystis were associated with better indicators of health. This single-celled organism, commonly present in the digestive system, showed a correlation with improved cardiovascular health and reduced body fat levels in the study published in Cell by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
“The effects of Blastocystis on health remain a topic of debate, but our study suggests a potential beneficial role in how diet influences human health,” stated co-lead researcher Long H. Nguyen. The study aimed to explore the connection between gut Blastocystis, diet, and health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease across a diverse population.
The research, which included data from 32 countries, revealed that Blastocystis levels varied by region and were influenced by dietary habits. The microbe was associated with a diet rich in plant-based and minimally processed foods, indicating a preference for healthier dietary choices.
Individuals with higher Blastocystis levels exhibited better short-term health markers like blood sugar and lipid profiles. Conversely, lower levels of Blastocystis were linked to long-term issues like obesity. Furthermore, a personalized diet intervention resulted in increased Blastocystis prevalence and abundance among participants, suggesting a dynamic relationship between diet, gut microbes, and health outcomes.
These findings suggest that Blastocystis may play a positive role in individual responses to diet and digestive health, challenging previous notions of it being solely a parasite. Instead, Blastocystis could be considered a beneficial component of the human gut microbiome, influencing health outcomes in a nuanced manner.
