Harnessing the Gut Microbiome for Chronic Disease Management and Public Health: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose: The human gut microbiome has become a crucial regulator of metabolic, cardiovascular, and
gastrointestinal health, presenting novel avenues for chronic disease prevention and tailored nutrition. This
systematic literature review synthesised evidence regarding the effectiveness of microbiome-targeted
interventions in chronic disease management and evaluated their implications for public health.
Methodology: A thorough examination of peer-reviewed studies was performed utilising terminology associated
with the gut microbiome, chronic diseases, and therapeutic interventions. Thirty-three studies were included,
encompassing a range of interventions including dietary modification, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation,
synbiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and microbiome-guided nutrition.
Results: The results demonstrated that high-fibre and plant-based diets, probiotic and prebiotic supplements,
and FMT significantly improved metabolic and inflammatory by increasing microbial diversity, increasing shortchain fatty acid production, and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. These results were most noticeable in people
with type 2 diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and heart problems.
Novelty and Contribution: This review contributes to the existing literature by integrating microbiome-targeted
nutrition with chronic disease prevention frameworks, thereby bridging clinical microbiology and population health
perspectives. It adds to the growing field of precision nutrition, highlighting the gut microbiome as a promising
therapeutic and preventive target.
Social and Practical Implications: The study emphasises the necessity of integrating microbiome
considerations into dietary guidelines, chronic disease policies, and public health strategies, especially in
advocating for equitable access to microbiome-based interventions globally.