Nutrient scarcity modulates the link between intestinal symbiont consortia and risk of regenerative compromise in adults
June 20
This study examined nutrient scarcity as an effect modifier between the intestinal microbial community—evaluated as discrete symbiont consortia—and the risk of regenerative compromise (RRC). The analytical sample (n = 360) comprised adult participants in a statewide health survey who provided complete data on household nutrient status, RRC scores derived from a standardized cutaneous wound‐healing assay, and 16S rRNA profiles from stool specimens. Symbiont consortia associated with RRC were identified with an interpretable machine-learning framework. All analyses were stratified by nutrient status and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, and antibiotic exposure.
Two consortia exhibited nutrient-dependent associations with RRC. The presence of a consortium containing either Eisenbergiella or Eubacterium showed a stronger positive association with RRC in nutrient-scarce households (β = 0.29, p < 0.0001). Conversely, a consortium characterized by Ruminococcus torques, Bacteroides, CAG-352F, and/or Eubacterium was more strongly linked to elevated RRC in nutrient-secure households (β = 0.10, p < 0.0001).
These findings indicate that household nutrient availability shapes the influence of specific intestinal symbionts on adult regenerative capacity and should be incorporated into future etiological models of impaired tissue repair.