Publication Date

Spring 5-12-2025

Document Type

Senior Integrative Project

Abstract

Urbanization has been associated with significant changes in diet, environment and lifestyle, all of which can influence the composition and function of the human gut microbiota. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed and synthesized findings from 11 studies examining gut microbiota differences between urban and rural populations in Brazil. The analysis focused on microbial diversity, taxonomic composition, dietary patterns, and implication for metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Results showed that rural populations consistently exhibited higher alpha diversity and greater abundance of beneficial short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, including Prevotella, Faecalibacterium, and Treponema, reflecting traditional, high fiber diets. In contrast, urban populations demonstrated lower microbial richness and increased presence of taxa associated with inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, such as bacteroides, Escherichia coli and Fusobacterium. Urban groups also showed greater exposures to processed foods, simple sugars, and food additives. These microbial and dietary shifts align with increased risk for noncommunicable diseases in urban settings. The findings emphasize the importance of microbiome-informed public health strategies, including promoting fiber-rich diets and reducing ultra-processed food consumption.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.