Tag: Next generation probiotic

Research into the human gut microbiome has uncovered that *Bacteroides fragilis*, a common resident, possesses surprising therapeutic potential, prompting the question: **is Bacteroides fragilis a probiotic?** The answer is complex, as its classification depends heavily on the specific strain and its delicate, dualistic relationship with the host's health. Unlike familiar probiotic strains, certain non-toxigenic variants are emerging as candidates for next-generation, targeted therapies due to their powerful immunomodulatory effects.

Research shows that healthy individuals often have a higher abundance of the beneficial gut bacterium *Akkermansia muciniphila*, while those with metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes tend to have lower levels. This raises a key question: Is Akkermansia good for your gut, and can its supplementation improve health?