Regulatory effects of transition metals supplementation/deficiency on the gut microbiota Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
Heavy metals influence microbial pathogenicity in two ways: they can be toxic to microbes by disrupting cellular functions and inducing oxidative stress, and they can be exploited by pathogens to enhance survival, resist treatment, and evade immunity. Understanding metal–microbe interactions supports better antimicrobial and public health strategies.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This review explored the regulatory effects of transition metals (iron, copper, zinc, and manganese) on the gut microbiota, focusing on both deficiency and supplementation. The paper discussed how these metal ions influence microbial composition, diversity, and functionality, highlighting their impact on host health and disease mechanisms.
Who was reviewed?
The review synthesized findings from 20 studies conducted on animal models and humans, examining the effects of transition metals on the gut microbiota. It included research on the regulatory roles of metals in microbiota dynamics, particularly how they modulate microbial communities and interact with host metabolic and immune systems.
What were the most important findings?
The review revealed that the availability of transition metals significantly impacts the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. For example, iron deficiency leads to shifts in microbial populations, including increased Lactobacillus and Enterobacteriaceae while decreasing Roseburia. Supplementation with iron, however, can lead to an increased abundance of Bacteroides spp. and a more active microbiota metabolism. Copper supplementation was shown to disrupt gut microbiota balance, with alterations in Firmicutes and Proteobacteria populations. Zinc and manganese were also found to affect microbial composition, with excessive zinc potentially increasing pathogen abundance, especially Enterococcus and Clostridium species, while manganese influenced oxidative stress responses. The review emphasized the complexity of these interactions, where both deficiencies and excesses of metals lead to dysbiosis, impacting overall gut health and influencing disease states like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and infections.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
The findings underline the critical role of transition metals in regulating gut microbiota composition and their broader implications for health. The review suggests that managing metal ion levels through diet or supplementation could be a strategy to manipulate the gut microbiome, enhancing beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic ones. However, it also cautions about the potential risks of excessive metal supplementation, which may exacerbate dysbiosis and contribute to disease. Understanding the mechanisms by which metals influence gut microbiota offers insights into therapeutic strategies for treating conditions like IBD, gastrointestinal diseases, and even neurodegenerative disorders, where the microbiome plays a key role.
Copper (Cu)
Copper serves as both a vital nutrient and a potential toxin, with its regulation having profound effects on microbial pathogenesis and immune responses. In the body, copper interacts with pathogens, either supporting essential enzyme functions or hindering microbial growth through its toxicity. The gastrointestinal tract, immune cells, and bloodstream are key sites where copper plays a crucial role in controlling infection and maintaining microbial balance. Understanding copper’s interactions with the microbiome and host defenses allows for targeted clinical strategies.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element vital for cellular functions and microbiome health. It influences immune regulation, pathogen virulence, and disease progression in conditions like IBS and breast cancer. Pathogens exploit zinc for survival, while therapeutic zinc chelation can suppress virulence, rebalance the microbiome, and offer potential treatments for inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Manganese (Mn)
Manganese plays a pivotal role in microbial pathogenesis. As a vital cofactor for enzymes involved in antioxidant defense and metabolism, manganese is essential for pathogens, enabling them to survive within the host. However, when not properly managed, manganese can become toxic to both the host and the pathogen. The host’s immune system, through mechanisms like the secretion of calprotectin, tries to limit microbial access to manganese, creating an ongoing battle between host defenses and microbial survival .