correlational

The bacteria in the gut interact with sugar to affect how leaky the gut is in fruit flies and human gut cells in a lab setting.

Scientific Claim

The gut microbiome interacts with dietary sugar to influence intestinal permeability in both Drosophila melanogaster and human intestinal cell co-cultures.

Original Statement

To determine whether commensal bacteria play a role in sugar-dependent gut barrier dysfunction, we modulated the microbiome in the in vitro and in vivo models... Our results with the surfactant TWEEN 20 also coincide with what is known about the effects of these surface-tension-lowering compounds on gut permeability.

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study used animal and in vitro models without human randomization or control, so it can only show association, not causation. The language 'interacts with' appropriately reflects the study design.

Evidence from Studies

Contradicting (0)

0
No contradicting evidence found