Analysis of Microbiota Variations in Industry Workers Working Different Shifts and Impact of a Nutritional Intervention

Shift workers are a growing population. It is well established that these workers face an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain debated. Various factors such as internal circadian desynchronization, unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, and lack of sleep interact in complex ways. Recently, it has been suggested that the gut microbiota (GM) may play an important role in this increased risk.

The goal of this study is to describe the variations of the GM composition in shift workers across three different rotating weekly shifts (morning, afternoon, night) and to measure the impact of a 3- week walnuts supplementation intervention consisting in a controlled experimental study.

Therefore, we propose a 6-weeks study including an observational and an experimental part. First, in the observational part, we will compare the gut microbiota of shift workers across three shifts (morning, afternoon and night). In the second part of the study, participants will add to their usual intakes a daily serving of nuts (30g). Again, we will compare the gut microbiota composition across the three types of shifts. During the study, participants will record their food intake, sleep and defecation time. We will also monitor their blood glucose levels continuously during the 4 first weeks of the study.