Gut microbiome as potential target of intervention against malnutrition

WP 6.3 investigated the role of the gut microbiome in conditions of nutritional vulnerability, analysing how microbial alterations interact with diet, clinical status, pharmacological treatments and lifestyle factors.

The work involved paediatric and adult populations affected by obesity, metabolic syndrome, immuno-mediated diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, combining clinical observations with experimental studies in advanced preclinical models.

A central objective was the identification of modifiable determinants influencing microbiome composition in malnutrition. The findings demonstrated that dietary quality plays a pivotal role in shaping microbial structure and function. In particular, high exposure to ultra-processed foods was associated with microbial alterations linked to obesity, metabolic dysfunction and the progression of nutrition-related diseases. Conversely, balanced dietary patterns were shown to positively modulate microbial profiles and reduce clinical risk.

Multi-omics technologies integrating sequencing data, metabolomics and clinical information enabled the identification of microbial biomarkers useful for early diagnosis, risk prediction and monitoring of malnutrition-related conditions. The research also characterised microbiome-derived molecules, including specific metabolites and postbiotics capable of modulating immune and metabolic responses. Some of these compounds showed protective effects in experimental models of intestinal and metabolic diseases, opening new perspectives for targeted nutritional strategies.

WP 6.3 established certified biobanks of biological samples, including blood, urine, faecal and saliva specimens collected under harmonised protocols and linked to clinical and lifestyle data. These infrastructures provide a strategic resource for biomarker validation, predictive modelling and future research on microbiome–malnutrition interactions.

In parallel, structured databases were developed to support the design of predictive algorithms for gut dysbiosis and the risk of progression towards obesity, metabolic syndrome and related conditions. Electronic registries and digital applications were also created to assist clinicians and citizens in monitoring nutritional risk factors and promoting healthier dietary behaviours.

The legacy of WP 6.3 consists of validated microbial biomarkers, characterised bioactive molecules, certified biobanking resources and predictive digital tools that contribute to advancing microbiome-based strategies in malnutrition prevention and management.