Understanding Gut Metabolites

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced when gut bacteria ferment fiber. They fuel colon cells, reduce inflammation, and aid metabolism.

Gut bacteria metabolize tryptophan into serotonin, indole compounds, and kynurenine. These metabolites influence mood, immunity, and gut-brain signaling.

Acetate is the most abundant short-chain fatty acid in the gut. It serves as an energy substrate, cholesterol precursor, and appetite regulator for health.

Butyrate is the most important short-chain fatty acid for colon health. It fuels colon cells, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the gut barrier lining.

Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid that travels to the liver to regulate glucose, cholesterol synthesis, and appetite through gut hormone signaling.

Your gut bacteria synthesize B vitamins including B12, folate, biotin, and riboflavin. Learn how to support natural B vitamin production via gut health.

Deoxycholic acid is the most abundant secondary bile acid in humans. Learn about its antimicrobial properties and health risks when levels stay elevated.

Equol is a potent metabolite made when gut bacteria convert soy isoflavones. It offers estrogenic and antioxidant benefits for menopause and bone health.

About 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut, where it regulates motility, secretion, and pain perception while signaling the brain via the vagus nerve.

Hydrogen sulfide is produced by gut bacteria from sulfur amino acids. In small amounts it supports cells, but excess is linked to IBD and cancer risk.

Indole-3-propionic acid is a neuroprotective metabolite made exclusively by gut bacteria from tryptophan. It protects the brain and gut barrier lining.

Kynurenine is a tryptophan metabolite made during inflammation. Its balance influences depression risk, neuroinflammation, and immune function in your gut.

LPS is a bacterial endotoxin that triggers inflammation when it leaks from the gut into the blood. Metabolic endotoxemia is linked to obesity and diabetes.

Methane is a gut gas produced by archaea, not bacteria. Elevated methane is linked to constipation-predominant IBS and SIBO by slowing gut transit time.

p-Cresol is a toxic metabolite from gut bacterial fermentation of tyrosine. Elevated levels are linked to kidney disease, autism, and brain impairment.

Putrescine is a polyamine essential for cell growth. In normal amounts it is harmless, but excess from gut bacterial overgrowth may raise cancer risk.

Secondary bile acids form when gut bacteria modify primary bile acids. They influence fat digestion, glucose metabolism, and immune function in the body.

Spermidine induces autophagy, your cells' recycling system. Found in wheat germ and aged cheese and made by gut bacteria, it promotes longevity and health.

TMAO is a gut bacteria-derived metabolite linked to heart disease. Learn how certain bacteria produce TMAO from red meat and how to lower your levels.

Urolithins form when gut bacteria convert ellagic acid from pomegranates, berries, and nuts. They activate mitophagy for cellular cleanup and longevity.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a therapeutic bile acid with liver-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. It treats liver and gallbladder conditions.

Vitamin K2 is made by gut bacteria and directs calcium to bones while keeping it out of arteries. Learn about its role in bone and cardiovascular health.