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Introduction : Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
June 1st, 2024 + The Naturopathic Co.

As the most abundant bacterial species found in the gut, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (Fprausnitzii) has attracted increasing interest because of its potentially important role in promoting gut health.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, or F. prausnitzii, is the most prevalent species of bacteria in the gut and has garnered significant attention due to its possible significance in enhancing gut health. Probiotic formulations that contain F. prausnitzii as an active ingredient have the potential to counterbalance dysbiosis, as highlighted by a number of recent reports.

Encompassing up to 15% of all bacteria found in the human gut, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, or F. prausnitzii, is a major constituent of the gut microbiota. It is a member of the Ruminococcaceae family (phylum Firmicutes), specifically the Faecalibacterium genus. F. prausnitzii isolates typically have the following traits in common:

  • extremely oxygen-sensitive (EOS) or anaerobic member that is gram-stain negative, non-sporeforming, mesophilic, rod-shaped, acetate-consuming, and butyrate-producing;
  • absence of plasmids, hemolytic activity, antimicrobial activity, and adhesion of epithelial cells;
  • activity of DNAse is present.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Diseases

Fprausnitzii depletion has been reported in several intestinal and metabolic disorders, celiac disease, and some cancers.

Fprausnitzii and Gastrointestinal Disorders

F. prausnitzii plays a critical role in supplying colonocytes with energy and anti-inflammatory metabolites to preserve intestinal health. Reduced levels of F. prausnitzii have been linked to the development and course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), a collection of conditions marked by recurrent episodes of chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). F. prausnitzii supplements taken daily may help reduce inflammation in IBD patients.

F. prausnitzii and Coeliac Disease

A chronic inflammatory intestinal disease triggered by the immune system, coeliac disease is linked to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Patients with coeliac disease have been found to have lower levels of F. prausnitzii. Formulations containing F. prausnitzii in probiotic form are emerging as a promising adjunct in the dietetic management of coeliac disease.

Fprausnitzii and Metabolic Disease

Some reports have demonstrated that in diabetics Fprausnitzii is presented in a very low amount, indicating it is highly discriminant for diabetes.

Fprausnitzii and Cancer

The connection between F. prausnitzii and colorectal cancer has long been established. F. prausnitzii levels in CRC patients are significantly lower than in healthy individuals, with a fourfold reduction observed. As a result, this species might be the preferred biomarker to help with cancer diagnosis and therapy.

The natural approach

If you’d like to run some testing and find out what type of bacteria lives inside your gut, reach out to us! We’ll guide you through the various ways that natural medicine can help optimise gut health, and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan. Book below.

 

Yvette is a qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist, MINDD Practitioner, member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia.

Yvette specialises in the treatment of gut health and digestive complaints, skin issues, mood disorders, hormonal concerns, fatigue, and more.

Yvette consults Australia-wide. 

#naturopathmelbourne #naturopathsydney #naturopathadelaide #naturopathperth #naturopathbrisbane


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