This randomized, crossover, controlled intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a moderate intake of red wine polyphenols on select gut microbial groups implicated in host health benefits. After a washout period, 10 healthy male subjects received red wine, the equivalent amount of de-alcoholized red wine, or gin for 20 days each. Total fecal DNA was submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and realtime quantitative PCR to monitor and quantify changes in fecal microbiota. Several biochemical markers were also measured. Compared with baseline, the daily consumption of red wine polyphenols significantly increased the number of Enterococcus, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides uniformis, Eggerthella lenta, and Blautia coccoides-Eubacterium rectale groups (P < 0.05). In parallel, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and C-reactive protein concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Interestingly, changes in cholesterol and C-reactive protein concentrations were linked to changes in the bifidobacteria number. The authors concluded that red wine consumption can significantly modulate the growth of select gut microbiota in humans, suggesting a possible prebiotic benefit associated with the inclusion of red wine polyphenols in the diet. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 May 2. PMID: 22552027
