Abstract
The behavior of gut microbiota is closely involved in sustaining balanced immune and metabolic homeostasis, and the dysbiosis of gut microbiota can lead to severe disease. Foods and dietary patterns are the primary drivers in shaping/designing gut microbiota compositions and their metabolites across the lifetime. This indicates the importance of functional molecules present in the food matrix in the life of gut microbiota and their influence on the host's biological system. In this contribution, the effects of different dietary choices and bioactive compounds (i.e., phenolics, vitamins, carotenoids) on gut microbiome compositions and their metabolites are comprehensively discussed by focusing on neurotransmitters. This study may provide useful information that fills a gap in understanding the role of the gut microbiota and its alterations as affected by foods and food-derived bioactives.