Dietary fiber-mediated gut modulation

"Dietary fiber-mediated gut modulation" is not a specific molecule, receptor, or canonical therapeutic target. Instead, it refers to the process by which dietary fibers—complex carbohydrates that are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract—are fermented by the gut microbiota in the colon. This fermentation produces metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which play key roles in maintaining intestinal health and modulating immune responses. The type and structure of dietary fibers influence which bacterial populations thrive in the gut; for example, certain fibers promote beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while reducing potentially harmful species. These changes can impact host physiology by improving barrier function, reducing inflammation, supporting metabolic health, and potentially protecting against diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, "dietary fiber-mediated gut modulation" is a physiological process rather than a discrete molecular entity or druggable target.

Other names

Dietary fiber-mediated gut modulationDietary fiber–gut microbiota interactionGut microbiota modulation by dietary fiber