Impulsivity among healthy adults is associated with diet and fecal microbiota composition

Impulsivity is an important personality trait that has been associated with unhealthy dietary choices and higher alcohol consumption. In turn, both diet and alcohol can affect gut microbiota composition, which has been recently linked with mental health. Although a few studies have explored the relationship between personality traits and gut microbiota, the interplay between trait impulsivity, diet, and gut microbiota remains underexplored. In the present cross-sectional study, we examine the relationship between impulsivity, diet, and fecal microbiota composition in the LORA (Longitudinal Resilience Assessment) cohort, which included participants of the general population (N = 913), without any lifetime diagnosis of mental disorder and no major disease. Fecal samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing, and trait impulsivity was assessed using the UPPS (Urgency-Premeditation-Perseverance-Sensation seeking) questionnaire. UPPS facets were associated with consumption of alcohol, sugary drinks, fruits, vegetables and fiber but not with meat. All the dietary components were associated with overall fecal microbiota composition as determined by beta diversity analyses, but no associations were detected for any of the four UPPS facets. Per genus analysis revealed associations of urgency with three bacterial taxa, premediation with four bacterial taxa and sensation seeking with one bacterial taxon. Notably, the genera Butyricicoccus and Lachnospiraceae UCG-001 that were negatively associated with urgency were also associated with healthier dietary patterns such as higher fiber, fruits and vegetables consumption and with lower consumption of sugary drinks. Furthermore the bacterium Eubacterium siraeum that was associated with higher sensation seeking, was also associated with more frequent alcohol consumption. Overall, our results suggest that impulsivity in neurotypical adults is associated with dietary choices and the relative abundances of specific gut bacteria.