Impact of nutritional intervention plans upon intestinal microbiome homeostasis of Romanian adults

The intestinal microbiota is increasingly recognized as an important element for maintaining human health, influencing the digestion, immune system, metabolism, and even the mental health through the gut-brain axis. Its composition is unique to each individual and is affected by factors such as diet, age, medical treatments, or lifestyle. Imbalance of the intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, is associated with multiple conditions, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, or neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a personalized nutritional intervention on the balance of the intestinal microbiota in an adult group of patients from Mureş county, Romania, between 2024 and 2025, the main objective being to reduce intestinal dysbiosis and improve digestive and general symptoms through an age-appropriate dietary approach tailored to the metabolic profile. Materials and method. The study was an interventional epidemiological type and included 30 participants, having a comparable lifestyle and education level to minimize the external variables. Each participant was initially assessed for fecal dysbiosis, dietary style, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overall health status. A personalized dietary plan was implemented, focusing on the consumption of fiber-rich foods, prebiotics, healthy fats, and avoiding ultra-processed products. After a period of three months of nutritional intervention, reevaluations were conducted through laboratory tests and questionnaires. The results showed significant improvements, the group of 20-35 years old showing the best results, with normalization of the bacterial flora, increased populations of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus), and a reduction in the dysbiosis score. Subjective improvements were also observed regarding bowel transit, energy levels, mood and sleep quality. Conclusions. Personalized nutritional interventions represent an effective strategy for restoring the balance of the gut microbiome, especially in young and middle-aged adults. Age influences the microbiota’s response to dietary changes, and interventions must be adjusted according to this variable.