Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>The human gut microbiome represents one of the most metabolically active ecosystems in the body, playing a key role in immune regulation, nutrient absorption, inflammation control, and even neurological signalling. University students, as a population characterized by high dietary autonomy, academic stress, time scarcity, and growing dependence on digital food platforms, are particularly susceptible to dietary patterns that disrupt this microbial balance. This review examines two interconnected dimensions of this public health concern: first, the mechanistic pathways through which habitual fast-food consumption degrades gut microbial diversity and function; and second, how the rapid proliferation of digital food delivery applications is reshaping food access, dietary decision-making, and ultimately gut health outcomes among students. Evidence from clinical, epidemiological, and microbiome studies consistently demonstrates that diets high in saturated fats, refined sugars, ultra-processed additives, and sodium — hallmarks of fast food — deplete beneficial bacterial populations, impair short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, compromise intestinal barrier integrity, and promote chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. Simultaneously, food delivery platforms such as UberEats, DoorDash, and Just Eat have significantly expanded access to nutritionally poor food options while using algorithmic personalization and promotional incentives to reinforce unhealthy purchasing behaviors. Together, these forces create a compounding risk environment for gut dysbiosis in the student population. This review calls for evidence-based interventions targeting both dietary quality and digital food environments to protect student gut health and long-term metabolic well-being.</p>