Intermittent fasting, where food is consumed only within a certain window of time during the day, has become a popular dietary approach for those looking to lose weight in recent years. Some studies have found that spreading protein intake throughout the day rather than in a single meal, along with intermittent fasting, contributes to weight loss.

However, the combined effects of these two methods on gut flora were not well understood. Various microorganisms in the digestive system play a significant role in overall health and the immune system. They also regulate metabolism, affecting body weight and fat storage.

In a study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications on Tuesday, 41 overweight or obese individuals followed two separate diets for 8 weeks.

Twenty participants followed a diet known to improve heart health and restrict calorie intake, while the others practiced intermittent fasting with distributed protein intake throughout the day.

Researchers found that participants in the second group had increased beneficial bacteria in their gut flora, reduced intestinal symptoms, and decreased fat percentage. While those in the second group lost an average of 8.81% of their initial body weight, those on the calorie-restricted diet lost an average of 5.4%.

Despite its significance, the study faces some limitations, such as a small number of participants. Additionally, the use of products from the food supplement manufacturer Isagenix, which provided funding for the research, poses another obstacle. It is not fully known whether similar results could be achieved with readily available foods.

Therefore, the research team emphasizes the need for further investigation into the health effects of spreading protein intake throughout the day during intermittent fasting.

Nevertheless, these findings have the potential to open up new avenues for addressing obesity and related metabolic issues. The lead author of the article, Alex Mohr, states:

“By identifying changes in specific microbes, functional pathways, and associated metabolites, we can develop regimens that improve gut function and metabolism, promising for personalized health strategies.”