Gut microbiome modulation by cricket, pea, and whey protein using the SHIME in vitro simulator

Entomophagy is increasingly popular, and Acheta domesticus offers an ecologically sustainable protein alternative, but the effects on the human gut microbiome need further investigation. In this study, we investigated the impact of the intake of three isolated proteins: pea (plant), whey (animal), and cricket (insect) on gut microbiome of a single-donor using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). Cricket protein intake was associated with potential beneficial taxa such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, genes related to vitamin biosynthesis and bacteriocin transport, and short and medium-chain fatty acids. Pea protein intake was associated with Faecalibacterium and Slackia, while whey protein with Butyricimonas and Lactobacillus. Metagenomic analysis revealed that pea intake led to increased lysine degradation genes, promoting SCFAs production. Each protein has its own unique characteristics that may contribute positively to gut health. Specifically, cricket protein intake appears to have beneficial effects, promoting the growth of potentially beneficial taxa and enhancing short-chain fatty acid production. The results of this study indicate that cricket protein does not exhibit any detrimental effects compared to pea and whey proteins.