A June 11 2026 study by Lawrence David and colleagues tested two controlled diets: an animal-based diet composed of meats, eggs and cheeses, and a plant-based diet rich in grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables (1).

They found the microbial composition, gene expression and metabolic output were highly responsive.

For individuals on meat-based diets, Alistipes, Bilophila and Bacteroides increased significantly (1).

Individuals in plant- based diets saw an increase in Roseburia, Eubacterium rectale, and Ruminococcus bromii (1).

Gut microbiome species were associated significantly with different diets and risk factors. Scientists developed a ranking of species most favourably and unfavourably associated with human health markers, called the ‘ZOE Microbiome Health Ranking (2).

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-026-01220-w

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09854-7


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