Characterizing the Gut Microbiota of Healthy Malaysians

This study examined how diet and lifestyle affect gut health in Malaysians, focusing on ethnicity, age, gender, and location. Analysis of stool samples from 507 participants across Malaysia revealed that ethnicity was the strongest factor influencing gut bacteria, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Indigenous groups showing distinct microbiome patterns linked to their diets. Younger adults had the most diverse gut bacteria, while diversity declined with age. Women showed slightly higher diversity than men. Semi-rural Mukah had healthier gut microbiomes than urban Klang Valley, reflecting traditional, fiber-rich diets. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors shaping gut microbiota in Malaysia.