The Importance of Micronutrient Adequacy in Obesity and the Potential of Microbiota Interventions to Support It

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies co-occur with obesity throughout the world. While many factors may contribute to this, microbiota dysbiosis is certainly one that has received a lot of attention in recent years. This work aimed to review the current state of knowledge on the role of micronutrients in obesity and the effects of interventions in microbiota on the micronutrient status of humans. Gathered evidence suggested that the supplementation of most of the deficient micronutrients for people with excess weight may have a considerable, positive impact on lipid and glucose homeostasis and a small effect on weight loss. Interestingly, the doses of micronutrient supplementation that allowed for achieving the best results for most of the minerals and vitamins exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels. To avoid negative effects associated with an overdose of vitamins and minerals, applying microbiota interventions could be considered. Pro- and prebiotics were shown to improve the micronutrient status of humans, and several publications indicated that when applied together with vitamins and minerals, they could give greater benefits than each of these treatments alone. Therefore, supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and pro/pre/synbiotics in obesity treatment plans may be recommended; however, further research is required to mitigate risks and optimize the effects achieved.

Keywords

• micronutrients
• nutritional deficiencies
• supplementation
• probiotics
• prebiotics
• synbiotics