Grant Abstract: Obesity, Body Fat Distribution, and Cancer Risk in the Multiethnic Cohort

Grant Number: 5P01CA168530-05
PI Name: Le Marchand
Project Title: Obesity, Body Fat Distribution, and Cancer Risk in the Multiethnic Cohort

Abstract: There is growing evidence of the fundamental role of the gut microbiome in health and disease. The
nutritional value of food is influenced by the gut bacterial community, and food consumption influences the
microbial gene distribution. Gut bacteria play an essential role in host nutrition by facilitating the metabolic
conversion and uptake of beneficial dietary components. Dietary supplement use is widespread in the United
States, with over 50% of adults taking at least one supplement, and 35% taking a multivitamin/multimineral
Supplement; usage among older adults is even higher. Intakes from supplements contribute substantially to
Total nutrient intake. It is important to investigate the relationship between dietary supplement use and the
Type and abundance of the gut bacteria. A differential relationship of the microbiota with supplement and
Food sources is plausible and could have important implications for human health. The parent P01 study of
Obesity and cancer risk among Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) participants provides a unique opportunity for the
Critical assessment of the relationship between the gut microbiome and supplementation of vitamins,
Minerals, probiotics and herbals. About 2,000 MEC members with equal representation in each of 10 sex-ethnic groups in the parent P01 study have provided a stool sample that is being characterized for microbial
Community composition as well as completed a food and supplement frequency questionnaire and a Stool
Collections Questionnaire that asked about use of probiotics and laxatives. In addition, a subset of 1,300
Individuals was asked for an inventory of their dietary supplement use. In the proposed study, we will collect
Dietary supplement use on the remaining 700 individuals by phone. We will then identify supplement users
Of various types of dietary components based on the questionnaire and inventory data, and then compare
The distribution and abundance of different bacteria in the gut between supplement users and non-users,
Overall and by type of supplement, after adjustment for diet and other lifestyle factors. Microbiome profiles
Associated with dietary supplement use will be characterized by biomarkers that are related to adiposity-
Related health conditions, such as insulin resistance, lipids, adipokines, and inflammatory markers.


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