Megasphaera

Megasphaera is a genus of gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria prominent in the human gut. It plays a key role in fermenting carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for colonic health. These bacteria are involved in the metabolic breakdown of various substances, including sugars and alcohols, and their activity can influence the overall health of the gut microbiome. Additionally, changes in the levels of Megasphaera have been associated with conditions like obesity and metabolic syndrome, highlighting their potential impact on host metabolism and disease states.¹

Role of Megasphaera species in human health

Fermentation and Production of SCFAs: Megasphaera species are known for fermenting carbohydrates and lactic acid to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly propionate. SCFAs are vital for maintaining gut health, providing energy to gut cells, regulating immune function, and reducing inflammation.²
Impact on Metabolic Diseases: Studies have linked alterations in the levels of Megasphaera to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, suggesting their potential role in metabolic regulation.³
Alcohol Metabolism and Liver Health: Megasphaera species play a role in ethanol metabolism, potentially impacting conditions like alcoholic liver disease by affecting the levels and activities of toxic metabolites.⁴
Interaction with the Immune System: By producing SCFAs, Megasphaera may influence the immune system, particularly enhancing the barrier function of the gut and regulating systemic immune responses.⁵
Potential Role in Cardiovascular Health: Emerging evidence suggests that Megasphaera and other gut microbes producing propionate might influence cardiovascular health by modulating cholesterol metabolism and inflammation.⁶

Best sources of Megasphaera

Megasphaera is a genus of bacteria that are part of the normal human gut microbiota. Like many beneficial gut bacteria, Megasphaera is not typically sourced directly from external foods or supplements but is naturally present in the gut. The abundance and activity of Megasphaera can be influenced by dietary choices, especially those that affect the gut environment and microbial balance.

To promote the growth and health of Megasphaera and similar bacteria in the gut, it is beneficial to consume a diet rich in diverse and fermentable fibers, which these bacteria can metabolize. Here are some dietary components that support a healthy gut microbiota:

Complex Carbohydrates: Foods rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, and resistant starches (found in cooked and cooled potatoes or rice) provide substrates that fermentable bacteria thrive on.
Prebiotic Foods: Foods high in prebiotic fibers like garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, and leeks can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria by providing the specific fibers they need to flourish.
Diverse Plant-Based Diet: A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promotes a diverse microbiota, which is beneficial for gut health and can support the populations of Megasphaera.⁷

**Where to find Megasphaera in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test**

You will find your Megasphaera score in the “Proprionate” section of the “Postbiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results.

Synonyms: Megasphaera as a genus has not been widely reported to have undergone major reclassification. It remains classified within the family Veillonellaceae of the phylum Firmicutes. Within the Veillonellaceae family, Megasphaera is typically found alongside other genera such as:

Veillonella
Selenomonas
Dialister

These genera share similar anaerobic environments and often have overlapping roles in the ecosystems they inhabit, particularly in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other animals. They are involved in various metabolic processes, including the fermentation of organic acids and other compounds.

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.

References

1
Bajaj, J. S., Heuman, D. M., Hylemon, P. B., Sanyal, A. J., White, M. B., Monteith, P., Noble, N. A., Unser, A. B., Daita, K., Fisher, A. R., Sikaroodi, M., & Gillevet, P. M. (2015). Altered profile of human gut microbiome is associated with cirrhosis and its complications. Journal of Hepatology, 60(5), 940-947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2014.11.039.
2
Engelbrektson, A., et al. (2010). Analysis of treatment effects on the microbial ecology of the human intestine. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 73(3), 577-588. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6941.2010.00901.x.
3
Kasai, C., et al. (2015). Comparison of the gut microbiota composition between obese and non-obese individuals in a Japanese population, as analyzed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and next-generation sequencing. BMC Gastroenterology, 15, 100. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-015-0330-2.
4
Yan, A. W., et al. (2011). Enteric dysbiosis associated with a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease. Hepatology, 53(1), 96-105. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.24018.
5
Furusawa, Y., et al. (2013). Commensal microbe-derived butyrate induces the differentiation of colonic regulatory T cells. Nature, 504, 446-450. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12721.
6
Reference: Wang, Z., et al. (2011). Gut flora metabolism of phosphatidylcholine promotes cardiovascular disease. Nature, 472, 57-63. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09922.
7
Engelbrektson, A., et al. (2010). Analysis of treatment effects on the microbial ecology of the human intestine. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 73(3), 577-588. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6941.2010.00901.x