Fish Oil Can Significantly Reshape Diet-Based Gut Microbiota in Mice

Abstract Background Studies have demonstrated the influence of diet on the gut microbiota, and recent evidence has revealed the beneficial effects of fish oil supplements on the gut microbiota. The goal of the present study was to investigate the influence of fish oil on diet-based gut microbiota changes in mice. Results AIN-93M significantly decreased the gut microbial diversity of mice, increasing the abundances of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides and decreasing the abundance of Odoribacter . In contrast, gut microbial diversity was maintained in mice fed a fish oil-intensive diet, where the Firmicutes: Bacteroidetes ratio was increased, the abundance of Parabacteroides was increased and that of Odoribacter was decreased. In contrast, the VSL#3 intervention had little influence on gut microbiota diversity, decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes. Conclusions AIN-93M can decrease gut microbiota diversity, which may be associated with a potential proinflammatory effect. Fish oil may have anti-inflammatory effects by restoring and maintaining microbial diversity.