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Food insecurity modifies the association between the gut microbiome and the risk of cognitive impairment in adults
This study by Eggers et al. (2025) investigated whether the association between the risk of cognitive impairment (RCI) and the gut microbiome—in particular, certain microbial groups known as cliques—is altered by food hardship. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples, 360 adult individuals from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin were included in the analysis. Each person had comprehensive information on food insecurity, RCI, and gut microbiome composition. Researchers used a transparent machine learning algorithm to identify microbial cliques associated with RCI. All results were adjusted for relevant confounding factors and examined separately based on participants’ food insecurity status. Two specific microbial cliques were found to have associations with RCI that varied depending on food security. In individuals experiencing food insecurity, a clique containing Eisenbergiella or Eubacterium was more strongly linked to RCI. On the other hand, among participants who were food secure, a separate clique of Bacteroides, CAG-352F, Eubacterium, and/or Ruminococcus torques exhibited a higher connection with RCI. The authors conclude that their findings suggest how food security can significantly impact the relationship between gut microbiota and cognitive health. [NPID: Food insecurity, gut microbiome, cognitive impairment, microbial cliques, Eubacterium, Eisenbergiella, machine learning]
Year: 2025
