Research Progress on the Effects of Gut Microbiota and Its Functional Metabolites on Fat Metabolism and Intramuscular Fat Deposition

The meat quality is influenced by many factors, among which intramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the most prominent factors. IMF content is closely related to the tenderness and flavor of meat. Numbers of studies suggested that gut microbiota and its functional metabolites (such as short fatty acids, bile acids, lipopolysaccharides, trimethylamines, tryptophan and their derivatives) played an important role in host fat metabolism. In this review, we present the role of gut microbiota and its functional metabolites in regulating fat metabolism and IMF deposition. This paper would provide new insights and feasible ways through nutrition regulation to increase IMF deposition and improve meat quality.