The microbial communities that colonize different regions of the human gut influence many
aspects of health. In the healthy state, they contribute nutrients and energy to the host via the …

Bacteria that colonize the mammalian intestine collectively possess a far larger repertoire of
degradative enzymes and metabolic capabilities than their hosts. Microbial fermentation of …

Butyrate arising from microbial fermentation is important for the energy metabolism and
normal development of colonic epithelial cells and has a mainly protective role in relation to …

The populations of dominant species within the human colonic microbiota can potentially be
modified by dietary intake with consequences for health. Here we examined the influence of …

Background: It has been proposed that the development of obesity in humans is influenced
by the relative proportions of the two major phyla of bacteria (Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes) …

The microbial community of the human colon contains many bacteria that produce lactic
acid, but lactate is normally detected only at low concentrations (< 5 mM) in feces from …

Weight loss diets for humans that are based on a high intake of protein but low intake of
fermentable carbohydrate may alter microbial activity and bacterial populations in the large …

Diet is a major factor driving the composition and metabolism of the colonic microbiota. The
amount, type and balance of the main dietary macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and …

Butyrate is a preferred energy source for colonic epithelial cells and is thought to play an
important role in maintaining colonic health in humans. In order to investigate the diversity …

Propionate is produced in the human large intestine by microbial fermentation and may help
maintain human health. We have examined the distribution of three different pathways used …