Roseburia Friendly Flora

Superstar of the Gut Microbiome

My favorite stool test for my clients is the GI Map Microbial Assay through Diagnostic Solutions Lab. Recently they have added a new marker for a core genus commensal bacteria named Roseburia. It is more than likely the healthy gut bacteria you’ve never heard of. These bacteria are believed to colonize the gut after birth via the consumption of breast milk - in which Roseburia can be found. It is unfortunate that Roseburia is thought to decline with age but we can learn how to produce more below.

Roseburia has 5 well-characterized species: Roseburia intestinalis, R. hominis, R. inulinivorans, R. Faecis and R. cecicola. These species produce 3 important short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) called acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFAs are the main metabolites produced in the colon by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers and resistant starch. They are anti-inflammatory and play a huge role in metabolic, endocrine and immune function. Studies in animals and humans have shown that gut microbiome dysfunction (dysbiosis) has been implicated in behavioral and neurologic pathologies such as Depression, Alzheimers, Parkinson’s and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Now, with microbiota manipulation and usage of SCFAs there is hope for treatment of these very diseases.

One of these SCFAs called “Butyrate” is produced in high amounts by Roseburia. Butyrate has amazing physiological effects as you can see below. Butyrate has been shown to regenerate colon epithelial cells, induces killing of colorectal cancer cells, is anti-inflammatory and protects your colon against cancer and colitis! There are more benefits listed below.

Colon bacteria can make butyrate from leftover cells and mucus on its own - especially in the sigmoid/rectal area. But what about eating foods rich in butyrate? Would these foods also feed flora like Roseburia and another commensal bacteria called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii - gut superstars - and help them to produce more ‘butyrate’? Interestingly the last 40 years of demonizing butter and animal fats has caused a flood of gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders. Replacing animal fats with ‘processed seed oils’ also called ‘Transfats’ have added insult to injury- and big Pharma is making billions on ‘gut management’ drugs that don’t get to root cause.

Did you know that the origins of the words “butyric acid” is from the Latin word ‘butyric’ - the same origins for the word Butter? Foods naturally high in butyrate include all butter - but especially pastured and cultured butters. Ghee is clarified butter (with milk solids removed) and also contains high amounts of butyrate. All Dairy contains butyrate in its bioavailable form -raw milk/cream, cheese etc. A quick search of high butyrate foods on the internet will say only “plant based” foods and “eating fiber” will produce butyrate but this is a fallacy. Plant fiber structure must be broken down first in order to make SCFAs - but butter and dairy is immediately bioavailable. Apple cider vinegar is a great food source for acetate (SCFA). Kombucha has high amounts as well.

Tune in next time for more gut information… here’s to all of us bucking the system and maintaining our own health naturally!