MNFR: Red Meat Triggers Intestinal Inflammation

Red meat may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases by disrupting the balance of gut microbiota. This conclusion was reached by researchers from Capital Medical University in China. The study was published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (MNFR).

In the experiment, mice were fed different types of red meat — pork, beef, and lamb — for two weeks. After that, inflammation was artificially induced in their colons. It turned out that in all groups receiving meat-based diets, the inflammation was significantly more severe.

The scientists recorded an excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines and massive infiltration of immune cells into the intestinal tissue. Microbiota analysis showed a decrease in the populations of Streptococcus, Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, and Lactococcus, while the proportions of Clostridium and Mucispirillum increased.

“Our research demonstrates a close link between diet, gut microbiota, and immunity, and it may contribute to the development of new approaches for treating inflammatory bowel diseases,” concluded one of the study's authors, Dr. Dan Tian.

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