Different probiotics specialize in different metabolic outputs. Here is a list of the major groups that produce these metabolites:
- Lactic acid–producing strains
These primarily produce lactic acid (and sometimes acetic acid).
-Lactobacillus species include L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. casei, L reuteri.
Their metabolites include: Lactic acid, Acetic acid and Bacteriocins (e.g., reuterin from L. reuteri)
-Bifidobacterium species include B. longum, B. breve, B. bifidum, B. adolescentis
Metabolites produced include: Acetic acid, Lactic acid and Bacteriocins. Some strains produce small amounts of Short-Chain fatty acids (SCFAs) indirectly.
- Butyrate-producing strains
These are not usually found in supplements but are crucial residents of the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI). These microbes include: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia species, Eubacterium rectale, and Anaerobutyricum hallii (formerly Eubacterium hallii)
Metabolite produced by these include:
- Butyrate (primary fuel for colon cells)
Ecological role in the gut: Anti-inflammatory, strengthens gut barrier, regulates immune tone.
- Propionate-producing strains
These Probiotics include: Bacteroides species and Veillonella species
Metabolite produced by these include:
- Propionate
Ecological role in the gut: Regulates glucose metabolism, influences satiety hormones.
- Acetate-producing strains
Most gut bacteria produce acetate, but especially:
- Bifidobacteria
- Akkermansia muciniphila
- Bacteroides
Ecological role in the gut: Cross-feeding substrate for butyrate producers; supports mucus layer.
- Bacteriocin-producing strains
These act like targeted antibiotics.
- Lactobacillus reuteri → reuterin
- Lactobacillus plantarum → plantaricin
- Lactococcus lactis → nisin
- Bifidobacteria → bifidocins
Ecological role in the gut: Suppress competitors, shape microbial community structure.
#Probiotics #Lactobacillus #Bacteriocin #Acetate #Lactic Acid #Acetic Acid
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