Effect of dietary carbohydrate restriction on an obesity-related faecal microbiota

We followed the response of the faecal microbiota to a carbohydrate-restricted diet in an obese volunteer. The community composition was estimated through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Bacteria of the Prevotella genus dominated the microbiota. Elimination of carbohydrates from diet triggered an immediate decrease in Prevotella, compensated by the increase in all other bacteria, and higher fluctuations in the community composition. Faecal microbiota changed back to its previous structure no later than four weeks after reintroducing carbohydrates in the diet. Our results show the strong dependence of Prevotella on dietary carbohydrates and confirm the resilience of the microbiota to short-term dietary interventions.