Bacteroidota are a significant bacterial phylum, widely distributed. They are particularly prevalent in the human gut, accounting for a substantial portion of the microbial community. This bacterial group holds considerable importance in the human gut. Their presence and balance within the gut significantly influence overall health and well-being.
Understanding Bacteroidota
Bacteroidota are Gram-negative bacteria, meaning their cell walls do not retain the crystal violet stain. They are anaerobic, thriving in environments with minimal or no oxygen, which makes the human gut an ideal habitat. While predominantly found in the gastrointestinal tract, these rod-shaped bacteria can also inhabit other environments, including soil, sediments, and water.
In the human gut, Bacteroidota are among the most abundant bacterial phyla, often comprising about 30% to 40% of the total bacterial population. They are considered commensal organisms, meaning they live in a beneficial or neutral relationship with their host. Their abundance in the gut begins early in life, with non-digestible oligosaccharides found in breast milk supporting their growth in infants.
Key Roles in Human Health
Bacteroidota perform various beneficial functions within the human body, especially in the gut. A primary role involves breaking down complex carbohydrates like dietary fibers, which human enzymes cannot digest. This process, known as fermentation, yields short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate.
These SCFAs are readily absorbed by the large intestine and serve as an energy source for host cells, nourishing the gut lining and contributing to intestinal homeostasis. SCFAs also influence the immune system, helping to modulate inflammatory responses and potentially preventing the colonization of harmful pathogens. Furthermore, some Bacteroidota species contribute to the synthesis of certain vitamins, including Vitamin K and some B vitamins.
Bacteroidota and Disease
While beneficial, an imbalance, or dysbiosis, in Bacteroidota populations can contribute to various health conditions. A significant decrease in certain Bacteroidota species or an altered ratio with other bacterial groups can disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.
Such imbalances have been linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where a reduced diversity of gut microbiota, often involving Bacteroidota, is observed. Alterations in Bacteroidota composition have also been associated with metabolic disorders. For instance, reduced abundance of Bacteroidota has been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, conditions characterized by impaired glucose and lipid metabolism.
While considered symbiotic, some Bacteroidota species can act as opportunistic pathogens if they escape the gut, potentially causing infections. The overall balance and diversity of the gut microbiome, rather than just the presence of Bacteroidota, are what truly matter for maintaining gut health and preventing disease.
Influencing Your Bacteroidota
Individuals can positively influence the balance and health of their Bacteroidota populations through dietary and lifestyle choices. A diet rich in diverse plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is beneficial.
These foods provide the complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers that Bacteroidota thrive on, acting as fermentable substrates for their growth. Including prebiotic-rich foods, which are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, can further support Bacteroidota. Sources like chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, onions, and asparagus contain prebiotics such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Probiotic-rich fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir, which contain live beneficial bacteria, can also contribute to a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. Beyond diet, lifestyle factors such as adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and regular physical activity also play a role in maintaining a balanced gut environment.