Context

A new study published in Journal Science linked growing consumption of processed food with declining levels of gut bacteria that help digest plant cellulose, especially in people in industrialised countries. 

Gut Microbes

• About: The human gut microbiota includes trillions of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites. The gut microbiota was previously known as the gut microflora.
• Establishment of Human Gut Microbiota: The human gut microbiota is established throughout infancy through vaginal birth or breastfeeding. Later, your diet and other external factors introduce new bacteria into your biome.

Key Highlights of the Study

• Discovery of New Species:The study identified three new gut bacteria species – Candidatus Ruminococcus primaciens, Ruminococcus hominiciens, and Ruminococcus ruminiciens – which can digest cellulose, a crucial component of plant fibre.
• Prevalence of Bacteria: These bacteria were prevalent among rural populations as well as the great apes, ancient human societies and hunter-gatherer communities.
• Supply of Energy: The decline of these bacteria affects energy balance and various health aspects since these microbes transform indigestible plant compounds into short-chain fatty acids, supplying energy to the host.
• References to identify related species: Researchers analyzed samples from 75 animal species, including wild and domesticated animals and various human cohorts, using known strains Ruminococcus champanellensis and Ruminococcus flavefaciens as references to identify related species.
• Significant Differences: The study found significant differences in the prevalence of cellulose-degrading bacteria across populations, correlating these differences with dietary fiber intake.
  • Rural and ancient populations, with higher fiber diets, showed greater prevalence compared to those in industrialised countries, where processed food consumption is higher.

News Source: Down to Earth