Association between meat and meat products consumption and fecal levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum in an older adult population

Introduction: Frequent consumption of red and processed meat is associated with alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiome. Among the bacteria involved, Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) stands out due to its link with inflammation and colorectal cancer, making it a key microorganism for studying the impact of Western diets on the intestinal health of older adults. Objective: To determine the association between the consumption of meat and meat products and fecal FN levels in a specific population of older adults in Lima, Peru. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 111 older adults (≥60 years) attending a senior care center in Lima, Peru, were recruited. The study was conducted between August and November 2024. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) focused on the consumption of meats, organ meats, offal, and industrialized meat products was administered. Additionally, fecal FN levels were quantified using qPCR. Results: Fecal levels of FN were detected in 20% of participants, with values ranging from 4.4 to 6.5 log₁₀ copies per gram of feces (5.23 ± 0.61 log₁₀ copies/g). Regarding the FFQ, high consumption of chicken and low intake of other meats were identified. Chicken feet were the most frequently consumed offal weekly (75.7%) and were the only food significantly associated with higher FN abundance (p=0.027). No statistically significant association was found between FN levels and the other evaluated variables. Conclusion: This is the first study in Peru to assess the prevalence of FN in older adults. Only one meat-derived food item was associated with its levels. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between diet and FN levels across different population groups.