The Western, industrialized diet is known to be lacking in fiber, which could potentially be altering the way our guts digest plant matter. Despite the importance of fruits and vegetables in our diets, researchers are still in the early stages of understanding how our bodies break down cellulose, the tough material found in plant cell walls. A recent study by an international team of scientists has shed light on previously unknown microbes in the human gut that are capable of breaking down cellulose.
The Study Findings
For many years, it was believed that humans could not digest cellulose like other mammals such as cows, horses, or sheep. However, in 2003, human gut bacteria capable of breaking down fibers were discovered. The recent study built upon this discovery by using the genes of that bacterium to search for similar microbes. The analysis of fecal samples from different populations revealed the presence of cellulose-munching microbes in human guts that were previously unnoticed.
The study findings suggest that populations in modern, industrialized societies have a lower abundance of cellulose-digesting microbes in their guts compared to hunter-gatherer, rural, and ancient populations. This decline in these species is believed to be influenced by the shift towards Westernized lifestyles, which are typically lacking in plant fiber. There is concern that the absence of these microbes could be contributing to poor metabolic health in urbanized individuals.
Potential Solutions
The researchers propose the possibility of reintroducing or enriching these cellulose-digesting microbes in the human gut through dietary supplements or specialized probiotics. Some studies indicate that current fiber intake guidelines may be too low in industrialized societies, leading to negative impacts on health. Initial research on cellulose supplements shows promising results in terms of improving gut microbiome diversity, immune responses, and gene expression.
The study also suggests that the human-associated strain of Ruminococcus bacteria, which aids in cellulose digestion, may have been transferred to humans from ruminant animals during domestication. Over time, these bacteria have adapted to the human gut environment, but their presence in some populations may be declining. The long-term effects of this decline on human health remain unknown.
The study highlights the importance of maintaining a diverse gut microbiome, particularly in relation to the digestion of plant matter. The findings suggest that Western diets low in fiber may negatively impact the abundance of cellulose-digesting microbes in the human gut, potentially affecting metabolic health. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings and explore potential interventions to improve gut microbiome diversity in modern societies.
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