Tag: Nutrient production

Recent metagenomic studies suggest that up to 65% of human gut commensal microorganisms can produce at least one type of B vitamin. The answer to how do probiotics produce vitamins lies in their specialized metabolic pathways, which can de novo synthesize essential nutrients that humans cannot produce alone.

Over 99% of the bacteria residing in the human gut are anaerobes, and many of these play a critical role in nutrient production. One of the most significant contributions of this microbial ecosystem is the synthesis of vitamin K, specifically a subtype known as menaquinone (Vitamin K2).

The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, and surprisingly, this microbial community acts as a miniature vitamin factory. A lesser-known fact is that these beneficial bacteria produce a significant portion of our daily requirements for certain essential nutrients, raising the question: what two vitamins are produced by bacteria that play a critical role in human health?

While vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is sourced from leafy greens, research shows that vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is predominantly of bacterial origin. This bacterial synthesis happens both within the human gut microbiome and during the fermentation of certain foods, contributing significantly to our overall vitamin K status. The exact amount absorbed and its contribution to daily needs, however, is a complex topic influenced by the specific bacteria involved and location in the gut.