Nutrients

Juicing: Harmful or beneficial for microbial balance?

February 19, 2025

Short-term juice consumption can negatively impact the oral microbiota, potentially increasing pro-inflammatory bacteria due to high sugar content and low fiber intake. Consider these effects when recommending juice-based diets, especially for patients with conditions sensitive to microbiome alterations.

Study details: This intervention study involved 14 participants who followed 1 of 3 diets (juice only, juice plus food, or plant-based food) for three days. Microbiota samples from stool, saliva, and inner cheek swabs were collected at multiple time points, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to analyze microbiota composition.

Results: Significant changes in the saliva microbiome following the elimination diet were observed, with a reduction in Firmicutes and an increase in Proteobacteria. Juice intervention diets led to changes in the oral microbiota, particularly in pro-inflammatory bacterial families, likely due to high sugar and low fiber intake. No significant shifts were observed in the overall gut microbiota composition, although there was an increase in bacterial taxa associated with gut permeability, inflammation, and cognitive decline.

Source:

Sardaro MLS, et al. (2025, January 27). Nutrients. Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39940316