Chronobiological Determinants of Gut Microbiome

This study aimed to investigate how the number of daily eating occasions and the timing of energy intake influence gut microbiome composition in morbidly obese and non-obese adults. This case-control study examined the gut microbiota of 23 morbidly obese individuals (BMI \> 40 kg/m²) and 11 non-obese individuals (BMI \< 30 kg/m²). Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall records. From these data, the number of meals, total daily energy intake, and the proportion of energy consumed within specific time intervals (06:00-13:00, 13:00-20:00, and 20:00-06:00) were calculated. Energy intake occurring after 20:00 was defined as nighttime eating. Participant eligibility required individuals to be between 19 and 65 years of age, free from acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, and without diagnoses of infectious diseases, cancer, or alcohol addiction. Additionally, participants were excluded if they had taken antibiotics within the three months preceding the screening.