Multi-omics reveals that consumption of black tea affects the host satiety, gut flora and metabolic profile to aid weight loss

Abstract The health benefits of teas and tea preparations in assisting with weight loss have been well documented in numerous studies. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of population-based research on the effects of consumption of tea and tea preparations on human dietary intake, gut microbial and metabolic profiles, and thus on weight loss. This study therefore focused on changes in dietary intake, gut microbiota and metabolism in healthy adults who consumed black tea for 3 consecutive weeks. Our findings showed that the consumption of black tea was associated with a notable increase in satiety prior to meals, which was observed to be more pronounced in female participants than in male participants. The consumption of black tea has been shown to increase the species richness of gut microorganisms, as evidenced by a higher number of observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs) compared the test group with the control group (203 ± 35 vs. 229 ± 18, respectively). Moreover, it improves the microbiological structure of the gut, enhances the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Parabacteroides, and reduces the abundance of Prevotella. Metabolomic analysis revealed 13 significantly different metabolites and 9 enriched metabolic pathways in individuals who consumed black tea. Correlation analyses of body mass index (BMI), satiety, gut flora and metabolic profiles indicate that the modulatory effects of black tea on gut flora and metabolic profiles are more effective in high BMI participant. This study may provide new insights into the relationship between black tea interventions and host satiety, gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. Furthermore, it may offer new directions and options for clinical strategies and personalized nutrition for tea and tea preparations to assist in weight loss and lipid reduction.