Gut check: Teff grain boosts stomach microbiome health

The seeds of the teff plant, resembling tiny grains akin to wheat, are proving to be a nutritional powerhouse. While relatively new to the U.S., teff has long held superfood status in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where it serves as a fiber-rich staple food crop.

Cornell food scientists, spearheaded by Elad Tako, associate professor of food science, have unveiled groundbreaking research affirming teff’s significant impact on stomach health and its capacity to enhance the nutritional properties of iron and zinc. Their findings, disclosed on October 2 in the journal Nutrients, herald a new frontier in understanding the benefits of this ancient grain.

Through meticulous experimentation in Cornell’s food science labs, the team explored how teff seed extracts influence the gastrointestinal tract and other physiological systems in live organisms using a distinctive in vivo method.

Tako expressed the invaluable nature of teff, stating, “For the first time, we were able to correlate teff-seed extracts and teff consumption with positive effects on the intestinal microbiome composition and function, potentially shedding light on why Ethiopia exhibits lower rates of dietary iron and zinc deficiencies compared to its neighboring African nations.”

In a pioneering experiment, fertile eggs from standard domesticated chickens were employed in the research process. By introducing teff seed fiber extract into the amniotic fluid of these eggs, the team observed notable enhancements in intestinal microbiome composition and the functional morphology of the small intestine.

The enriching effects of teff extract on crucial bacterial metabolic pathways underscore its high fiber concentration, signaling a pivotal bacterial-host interaction that bolsters the physiological statuses of iron and zinc within the digestive and absorptive surfaces of the intestine.

Tako emphasized the significance of their novel in vivo model, noting its capacity to evaluate the nutritional benefits of bioactive compounds derived from plant sources. As a guest editor for an upcoming special issue of Nutrients titled “Alleviating Zinc Dietary Deficiency, and Monitoring Poor Physiological Zinc Status in Sensitive Populations,” Tako’s research promises to drive further understanding and application in the realm of stomach health and nutrition.

Collaborating with a team of dedicated researchers including lead author Johnathon Carboni, former group member Dr. Spenser Reed, research technician Nikolai Kolba, and experts from the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine at Bar-Ilan University, Israel, Tako’s work signals a transformative journey towards harnessing the potential of teff to revolutionize stomach microbiome health.

As teff emerges as a dietary hero, its ability to boost stomach health and fortify essential nutrients within the body offers a glimpse into a future where traditional grains pave the way for enhanced well-being and nutritional vitality.