Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to hormonal changes and lifestyle factors. Gut microbiota (GM) have been linked to the development of MetS, and they are influenced by dietary habits. However, the interactions between dietary patterns (DP) and the GM of postmenopausal women, as well as their influence on MetS, still need to be understood. The present study evaluated the DP and microbiota composition of postmenopausal Mexican women with MetS and those in a control group. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and the GM were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Greater adherence to a "healthy" DP was significantly associated with lower values of MetS risk factors. GM diversity was diminished in women with MetS, and it was negatively influenced by an "unhealthy" DP. Moreover, a higher intake of fats and proteins, as well as lower amounts of carbohydrates, showed a reduction in some of the short-chain fatty acid-producing genera in women with MetS, as well as increases in some harmful bacteria. Furthermore, Roseburia abundance was positively associated with dietary fat and waist circumference, which may explain 7.5% of the relationship between this macronutrient and MetS risk factors. These findings suggest that GM and diet interactions are important in the development of MetS in postmenopausal Mexican women.
Keywords: dietary patterns; gut microbiota; macronutrients; metabolic syndrome; postmenopausal women.