Gut microbiota characterization in vegetarian adults from the adventist population living in coastal, highland, and jungle regions of Peru

Abstract

IntroductionThe gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, and its composition can be influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, age, and health status. Among these, diet is one of the most significant determinants of microbial balance. A well-balanced diet promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, reducing intestinal inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases. Vegetarian diets have been proposed to confer beneficial effects on gut health; however, many questions remain regarding microbial profiles, their variability, and the potential influence of geographic and cultural factors--particularly within Latin American contexts. This study aims to address this gap by presenting the first characterization of the gut microbiota in vegetarian adults from the Adventist population living in three distinct regions of Peru. MethodsStool samples were used as a proxy to analyze gut microbiota composition through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Standard descriptive analyses were performed to assess bacterial composition, including diversity and relative abundance across samples. ResultsThe gut microbial communities of Peruvian vegetarians revealed three distinct enterotypes, with distribution varying by region. Enterotype 1 (ET1), predominant in coastal and highland regions, exhibited the highest bacterial richness and diversity. Enterotype 2 (ET2), observed in highland and jungle areas, was characterized by higher levels of Prevotella. Enterotype 3 (ET3), more frequent in the jungle region, showed a greater abundance of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. ConclusionsDespite all participants adhering to a vegetarian diet, notable diversity in gut microbiota profiles was observed within this population. While three distinct enterotypes were identified, consistent with findings in other populations, the specific profiles differed from those previously reported. This study highlights the importance of incorporating variables that enable greater resolution in future research, allowing better control of within-population variability, such as that observed in Peruvian vegetarians, and ultimately enhancing the accuracy of microbiome-related conclusions.