The Role of Diet in Shaping Gut Microbiota and Host Physiology: From Nutrients to Health Outcomes

Diet is increasingly recognized as a fundamental factor shaping the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, with profound implications for host physiological processes and overall health. This Research Topic seeks to highlight innovative pre-clinical and clinical studies that clarify the pathways linking dietary components—ranging from individual nutrients to complex dietary patterns—to gut microbial ecology.

Key themes include the identification of mechanisms through which diet-driven changes in the microbiota influence metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine functions, and the translation of these mechanistic insights to diverse human populations and disease contexts.

We particularly welcome contributions that:

o Uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating nutrient–microbe–host interactions using advanced in vitro or in vivo models.

o Present clinical or translational findings demonstrating how dietary interventions impact the gut microbiome and related health outcomes.

o Integrate data across molecular, physiological, and clinical domains to provide a holistic understanding of the diet–microbiome–host axis.

By assembling comprehensive research across disciplines, this Issue aims to foster novel perspectives and inform the development of targeted nutritional strategies for optimizing health and preventing disease.