COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 745
● Perform critical metabolic functions [62]
● Support gut barrier integrity [63]
● Regulate immune system function [64]
Understanding the status of these keystone species provides
valuable clinical insights:
Akkermansia muciniphila
This mucin-degrading bacterium plays critical roles in:
● Stimulating mucin production for gut barrier protection [65]
● Reducing metabolic inflammation [66]
● Supporting immune regulation [67]
● Protecting against obesity and metabolic disorders [68]
Low levels may indicate barrier dysfunction and increased
susceptibility to metabolic conditions [69].
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
As a major butyrate producer, this organism:
● Provides anti-inflammatory effects [70]
● Supports colonocyte health [71]
● Helps maintain gut barrier integrity [72]
● Modulates immune function [73]
Depletion correlates with numerous inflammatory conditions [74].
Ruminococcus bromii
This keystone species plays critical roles in fiber degradation by:
● Breaking down resistant starch [75]
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