High adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a diverse faecal microbiome and reduced systemic inflammation in a cohort of pregnant women

David Felipe Garcia Mendez; Charlotte Rowley; Samantha Lodge; Siobhon Egan; Annie Xu Zeng; Matthew A Campbell; Jacquelyn Jones; Nina D'Vaz; Elaine Holmes; Claus T Christophersen

doi:10.1038/s41598-026-55564-z

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High adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a diverse faecal microbiome and reduced systemic inflammation in a cohort of pregnant women

Journal article

Peer reviewed

High adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a diverse faecal microbiome and reduced systemic inflammation in a cohort of pregnant women

David Felipe Garcia Mendez, Charlotte Rowley, Samantha Lodge, Siobhon Egan, Annie Xu Zeng, Matthew A Campbell, Jacquelyn Jones, Nina D'Vaz, Elaine Holmes and Claus T Christophersen

Scientific reports

06/07/2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55564-z

PMID: 42409865

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Abstract

Metabolic profiling

GlycA

Microbiota composition

Dietary patterns

Pregnancy diet

Systemic inflammation

The Mediterranean diet (MD), known for its high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy unsaturated fats, has been linked to a diverse and beneficial gut microbiome. However, its effect on the gut microbiome during pregnancy remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate the impact of high adherence to a Mediterranean diet on gut microbiome composition and function in pregnant women by analysing their metabolic profiles and faecal microbiome composition. Stool, serum, and urine samples were collected from 48 pregnant women at weeks 20/28 and at week 36. Participants were stratified based on MD adherence using a validated questionnaire. Stool samples underwent 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured using UPLC-MS. Women with high MD adherence showed significantly higher α-diversity in their faecal microbiomes at both time points. Significant differences in microbiome composition were observed between low and high adherence groups at weeks 20/28, but not at week 36. No significant differences in serum short-chain fatty acid concentrations were found between the groups. Our findings suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is associated with changes in gut microbiome diversity and function. These results contribute to a better understanding of how dietary patterns during pregnancy may influence gut microbiome ecology.

Details

Title: High adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a diverse faecal microbiome and reduced systemic inflammation in a cohort of pregnant women
Authors/Creators: David Felipe Garcia Mendez - Murdoch University
Charlotte Rowley - Murdoch University
Samantha Lodge - Murdoch University
Siobhon Egan - Murdoch University
Annie Xu Zeng - Murdoch University
Matthew A Campbell - Curtin University
Jacquelyn Jones - Curtin University
Nina D'Vaz - Edith Cowan University
Elaine Holmes - Murdoch University
Claus T Christophersen - Curtin University
Publication Details: Scientific reports
Grant note: FL200100220 / Australian Research Council
Identifiers: 991005902271107891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences; Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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