Microbial metabolites associated with healthy lifestyles in relation to metabolic syndrome and vascular health: a cross-sectional study

Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes, yet practical levers to prevent it remain limited. We show that everyday healthy habits align with a gut microbial "signature" linked to better vascular health and lower metabolic risk. Using metagenomics, metabolomics, and genetic causal analyses, we identify specific bacteria (<i>Alistipes putredinis</i>, <i>Odoribacter splanchnicus</i>, and <i>Roseburia hominis</i>) and microbially produced molecules-especially cinnamoylglycine and betaine from enhanced homolactic fermentation-that may mediate these benefits. These findings connect lifestyle, the gut microbiome, and blood metabolites in a single framework, suggesting actionable biomarkers to monitor risk and potential microbiota-targeted strategies (diet and pre/probiotics) to improve cardiometabolic health. By highlighting concrete microbial pathways and metabolites, our work advances the path toward precision prevention and low-cost interventions for metabolic syndrome and vascular disease.