This 2020 review examines the roles of dietary oxalate and its precursors in urinary oxalate excretion and the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. It highlights that dietary oxalate can contribute up to 50% of urinary oxalate levels, with the remainder arising from endogenous synthesis, notably from ascorbic acid (vitamin
This 2013 review explores the relationship between gut microbiota composition and obesity. It highlights that obese individuals often exhibit a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, which may enhance energy extraction from the diet. Animal studies demonstrate that transferring microbiota from obese to lean mice can induce weight gain, suggesting a causal role
This 2019 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated the safety and metabolic effects of daily oral supplementation with 10¹⁰ CFU of either live or pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila over three months in 32 overweight or obese insulin-resistant adults. Pasteurized A. muciniphila significantly improved insulin sensitivity (+28.6%, P=0.002), reduced fasting insulin levels
This 2013 literature review analyzed 61 studies to explore the relationship between intestinal microbiota and obesity, focusing on the effects of prebiotics and probiotics. Findings indicate that obese individuals exhibit distinct gut microbial compositions compared to non-obese individuals, with alterations affecting energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and intestinal permeability. Interventions using
This 2011 study analyzed stool samples from 68 obese and 47 normal-weight individuals using quantitative PCR and culture techniques. The findings indicated that Lactobacillus reuteri was significantly more abundant in obese subjects (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.03–3.10; P = 0.04), while Bifidobacterium animalis and Methanobrevibacter smithii were more prevalent
This 2019 review explores the interplay between gut microbiota and obesity, highlighting how dysbiosis—characterized by reduced microbial diversity and an increased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio—contributes to obesity development. The authors discuss the potential of probiotics to modulate gut microbiota composition, thereby influencing host metabolism, energy balance, and inflammatory responses. Evidence from animal
This 2006 study by Ley et al. analyzed the gut microbiota of obese and lean humans, revealing that obese individuals have a higher proportion of Firmicutes and a lower proportion of Bacteroidetes. Longitudinal data showed that weight loss through caloric restriction led to an increase in Bacteroidetes, suggesting a reversible
This 2020 review explores the connection between increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and autoimmune diseases. It discusses how disruptions in tight junctions of the intestinal epithelium allow translocation of microbes and antigens, triggering immune responses that may lead to autoimmunity. Factors such as diet, stress, infections, and medications can contribute
This 2021 study analyzed data from three large U.S. cohorts (Nurses’ Health Study I & II, Health Professionals Follow-up Study) encompassing over 204,000 participants. Regular proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was associated with a 24% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (HR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17–1.31). The risk escalated
This 2011 review by Han et al. explores the hypothesis that berberine’s antidiabetic effects may be mediated through modulation of the gut microbiota. Berberine, a plant alkaloid with known antimicrobial properties, is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting its primary action is localized within the gut. The authors propose
