New research has found that a single "human gut bacteria" can metabolize the most complex form of carbohydrate in human's diet. The study was headed by Professor Harry Gilbert from the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences at Newcastle University, UK.
According to Science Daily, the most complex form of carbohydrate is a plant polysaccharide known as "rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II)". Normally, it was though that only groups of bacteria are able to metabolize RG-II because of its complex structure, however, the recent research suggests that the newly discovered "human gut bacteria" have the ability to do this alone.
The recent "human gut bacteria" can metabolize RG-II owing to its several genes that encode proteins. The researchers have discovered that these genes produce glycoside hydrolases, which breaks down the glycosidic linkages that hold the sugar together in polysaccharides that contribute to the metabolism of RG-II. Glycoside hydrolases is a type of bacterial enzyme that targets complex carbohydrates in the large intestine.
The Huffington Post stated that "human gut bacteria" naturally live in the bowels of humans and have been linked to prevent and treat conditions like obesity and diabetes. An example of gut bacteria known as A. muciniphila can improve the function of gut lining that results in the reversal of fat mass, inflammation and insulin resistance.
The current research regarding "human gut bacteria" suggests potential applications understand the mechanisms by which complex carbohydrates are utilized by bacteria in order to create compounds significant to the healthy body. The group of bacteria that normally thrives in the human body can be referred a normal flora that regards carbohydrates as their own source of nutrients.
"Human gut bacteria" has an essential role on health and physiology as they really help in metabolizing food that humans can normally digest such as starches and fiber. The new discovery puts up the different benefits of the bacteria on mainstream as additional studies continue to grow in the medical field.
