The human gut harbors a vast and diverse community of microorganisms, the gut microbiome, which significantly influences overall health. Among the beneficial bacteria in this complex ecosystem, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is an important member. Its presence is often considered a positive indicator of a well-balanced gut environment and plays a notable role in maintaining intestinal well-being.
Understanding Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is an obligate anaerobic bacterium, thriving in oxygen-free conditions deep within the human colon. It is one of the most abundant bacterial species in a healthy adult gut, often constituting 5-15% of the total bacterial population. This bacterium is a main producer of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that serves as the primary energy source for colon cells.
Butyrate is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which acts as a protective shield against harmful substances. Beyond its role in gut barrier function, F. prausnitzii also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce inflammation by blocking inflammatory pathways and promoting anti-inflammatory molecules. This bacterium also produces other bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds like shikimic and salicylic acids.
The Challenge of Direct Probiotic Supplementation
Despite its health benefits, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is difficult to include in standard probiotic supplements. This challenge stems from its strict anaerobic nature; as an obligate anaerobe, F. prausnitzii cannot survive exposure to oxygen. Manufacturing and delivering live, viable F. prausnitzii in a probiotic product is complicated by its sensitivity to ambient air.
Researchers are exploring innovative techniques to overcome this hurdle. These include co-isolating it with other bacteria like Desulfovibrio piger that positively influence its growth, or coating cells with antioxidants for protection. These advancements aim to develop “next-generation probiotics” that can effectively deliver this bacterium.
Strategies to Increase Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Levels
Since direct supplementation remains challenging, supporting the natural growth of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii through diet is a practical approach. This bacterium thrives on dietary fiber, especially from plant-based sources, making increased fiber intake an effective way to promote its growth. Foods rich in soluble and insoluble fibers provide the necessary substrates for F. prausnitzii to flourish:
Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Legumes
Nuts
Seeds
Prebiotics, non-digestible food ingredients, specifically stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria like F. prausnitzii. Examples of prebiotic-rich foods include:
Chicory root
Garlic
Leeks
Onions
Asparagus
Artichokes
Oats
Flaxseeds
Inulin-type fructans, a type of prebiotic fiber, increase F. prausnitzii abundance. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), even in adults, also act as prebiotics to nourish good bacteria and support the immune system, with one HMO, 2′-Fucosyllactose, increasing F. prausnitzii stool counts. A diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, characteristic of a high-fiber intake, enhances F. prausnitzii levels. Conversely, a Westernized diet, typically high in animal meat, animal fat, sugar, and processed foods, tends to reduce its count. Incorporating healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, also supports gut health and can indirectly benefit F. prausnitzii.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Human Health
The abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is closely linked to various aspects of human health. Lower levels are frequently observed in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Research indicates that F. prausnitzii can help mitigate intestinal inflammation in experimental models of colitis by producing butyrate and maintaining immune cell balance. Its presence is also associated with improved intestinal barrier function, often compromised in IBD patients.
Beyond IBD, reduced F. prausnitzii levels have been associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes, and potentially certain mental health conditions. The bacterium’s anti-inflammatory effects and its role in producing beneficial metabolites contribute to its widespread impact on health. While ongoing research continues to unravel the full extent of its mechanisms, the consistent association between adequate F. prausnitzii levels and a healthy gut microbiome underscores its significant role in modulating the immune system and maintaining overall physiological balance.