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Fasting, a practice rooted in history and religious traditions, has recently surged in popularity as a health trend. Its benefits - such as weight management, improved metabolic function and delayed ageing - are well-documented. However, new research suggests that fasting may also impact the oral microbiome, influencing oral health in unexpected ways.
What We Know:
Fasting involves abstaining from food, consuming only water or other approved liquids (e.g., herbal teas or black coffee) for an extended period of time. Different fasting types, such as intermittent fasting (less than 2 days) and long-term fasting (4 days to several weeks), have been studied clinically (Loumé et al., 2024).
A lesser-known side effect of fasting is bad breath, or halitosis. This is often anecdotally linked to the "keto flu" during the body’s transition from burning carbohydrates to fat, but while ketone bodies may contribute to foul breath, this phenomenon differs from the pathological halitosis seen in some fasters (Loumé et al., 2024).
Studies show that 80-90% of fasters with halitosis have oral microbiome dysbiosis. Oral microbes degrade residual proteins in saliva, food debris and shed epithelial cells, producing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) which are linked to halitosis, dysbiosis and periodontal disease (Loumé et al., 2024).
Industry Impact and Potential:
Recent research on long-term fasting’s effects on halitosis and the oral microbiome uncovered several key findings. Initially, fasting reduced microbial alpha diversity (a measure of species variety), but diversity rebounded and even exceeded baseline levels one and three months after fasting (Loumé et al., 2024).
Fasting led to a decrease in genera such as Neisseria, Gemella and Porphyromonas, while promoting an increase in others, including Megasphaera, Dialister, Prevotella, Veillonella, Bifidobacteria, Leptotrichia, Selenomonas, Alloprevotella and Atopobium. Firmicutes (Bacillota) became dominant during follow-up periods, while Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were suppressed (Loumé et al., 2024).
The reduction in potentially harmful species like Porphyromonas suggests a shift towards a less inflammatory microbial environment. Additionally, the correlation between microbial shifts and increased levels of dimethylsulfide - a compound linked to halitosis - indicates that fasting-induced changes in the microbiota may contribute to breath odour (Loumé et al., 2024).
Our Solution:
At Sequential, we are a trusted leader in microbiome product testing and formulation. Our customisable solutions empower businesses to innovate with confidence, ensuring the development of effective oral hygiene products that preserve the integrity of the oral microbiome. With our expertise, we help companies explore the potential of microbiome studies and product development not only for oral health but also for skin, scalp and vulvar microbiomes.
References:
Loumé, A., Grundler, F., Wilhelmi de Toledo, F., Giannopoulou, C. & Mesnage, R. (2024) Impact of Long-term Fasting on Breath Volatile Sulphur Compounds, Inflammatory Markers and Saliva Microbiota Composition. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry. 22, 525–540. doi:10.3290/j.ohpd.b5795653.
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