Tag: Bacteroides

According to a study published in *eLife*, some human gut *Bacteroides* are so adept at acquiring vitamin B12 that they can actually pirate it from the human intrinsic factor. This highlights a key nutritional relationship: certain vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and K, are absolutely required for the growth of *Bacteroides*.

An estimated 10 to 100 trillion bacteria reside in the human gut, with species of the genus Bacteroides being one of the most substantial and influential populations. The primary food source of Bacteroides consists of complex carbohydrates and polysaccharides from plant-based dietary fiber that the human body cannot digest on its own.

With trillions of microorganisms calling your gut home, your diet is the primary factor shaping this complex ecosystem. To support a healthy gut, it is crucial to understand what foods nourish beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides, which are vital for overall health and digestion.

While the small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption, the belief that it is also where bacteria in the small intestine produce vitamin K is a common misconception. In reality, the bulk of vitamin K synthesized by the gut flora, specifically the menaquinone (K2) form, is produced by a diverse community of bacteria residing in the large intestine, or colon.

According to a 2011 study published in the journal *Nature*, researchers discovered that humans could be clustered into three distinct 'enterotypes' based on the dominant bacteria in their gut. This groundbreaking discovery sparked immense interest in the idea of a gut type, a concept that has since evolved and is often misunderstood in popular wellness culture.

The human gut microbiota comprises trillions of microorganisms, some of which play a vital role in synthesizing key nutrients. This internal factory includes specific gut bacteria that produce vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for blood clotting, bone metabolism, and overall cardiovascular health.

Over 90% of the bacteria in the human colon are comprised of the two main phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, making the balance between them a key indicator of gut health. But what foods increase Bacteroides levels, a dominant genus within the Bacteroidetes phylum, to support a healthy gut microbiome? A plant-forward diet rich in diverse fibers is the most effective strategy.