Members of Ruminococcus sensu produce acetate, but not butyrate. Ruminococcus gnavus, like Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin degrading specialist.

HIGHER LEVELS:

- Higher levels of Ruminococcus spp. were associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

- Increased abundance of Ruminococcus spp. has been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

- Ruminococcus gnavus has been found to be in higher abundance in diarrhea predominant IBS.

- Intake of resistant starch has been associated with increased levels of R. bromii.

LOWER LEVELS:

- Reduced levels of R. bromii were observed in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

- Ruminococcus spp. are reportedly decreased in abundance with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

- A diet rich in animal protein and fat was found to reduce the abundance of this species in human gut.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Members of Ruminococcus sensu produce acetate, but not butyrate.

Ruminococcus gnavus, like Akkermanisia muciniphila is a mucin degrading specialist. 

Ruminococcus obeum, identified in a gut microbiome test, is a bacterium of considerable interest due to its role in the complex ecosystem of the human gut. As a member of the Ruminococcaceae family, it is part of a group of bacteria that are key players in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and fibers, contributing significantly to the fermentative processes in the gut. This fermentative activity is crucial for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, which are vital for maintaining colon health, regulating the immune system, and ensuring the integrity of the gut barrier.

The Ruminococcus bacteria in our gut microbiomes play a major role in helping us digest resistant starches - the complex carbohydrates found in high fiber foods such as lentils, beans, and unprocessed whole grains.

The presence of antibodies to Rye is an indication of food immune reactivity. The offending food and its known cross-reactive foods should be eliminated from the diet. The antigenic properties of Rye produce inflammatory injury in the absorptive surface of the small intestine. Thus, it is associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Special consideration for patients who work in the baking industry must be taken, as flour hypersensitivity and baker’s asthma associated with Rye have been reported. Due to the cross-reactive nature of Rye and w-gliadin, patients who test positive should be educated on exercise-induced anaphylaxis triggered by w-gliadin.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)—also known as SAMe—is a vital methyl donor molecule that supports hundreds of biochemical reactions throughout the body. Formed from the amino acid methionine and ATP, SAM plays an essential role in methylation, the process of transferring methyl groups (-CH3) to other molecules. This seemingly small chemical action regulates gene expression, neurotransmitter balance, detoxification, energy metabolism, and cell membrane integrity.

On the Neurotransmitter XL panel, SAM is a key marker for assessing methylation capacity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and cellular energy regulation. Balanced SAM levels ensure efficient breakdown and recycling of neurotransmitters like dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, as well as proper support of the BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin) cycle—an essential cofactor system for serotonin and catecholamine synthesis.

S-Adenosyl Homocysteine, often referred to as SAH, is a metabolite that plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes within the human body. SAH is a key intermediate in the methylation cycle, which is essential for the methylation of DNA, RNA, proteins, and other molecules. Methylation is a fundamental cellular process that regulates gene expression, supports the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and influences various biochemical reactions. SAH is formed when S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe), a methyl donor, transfers its methyl group to various substrates.

S-Adenosyl Methionine, commonly known as SAMe, is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body and also available as a dietary supplement. SAMe plays a fundamental role in numerous biochemical reactions, particularly in the methylation process, where it donates methyl groups to various substrates, thereby participating in essential cellular processes. SAMe is considered a critical methyl donor in biological methylation reactions, which are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, DNA, RNA, and the regulation of gene expression.

S-Adenosylhomocysteine (RBC) reflects how efficiently your body carries out methylation, a process essential for DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and cellular function. SAH is a natural byproduct of methylation, but when levels rise, it can block methylation enzymes and reduce cellular performance. Measuring SAH inside red blood cells provides a stable view of methylation status and can help identify nutrient deficiencies, metabolic stress, or imbalances in the SAM/SAH cycle.

S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is the end-product of methylation reactions in the body. SAM ultimately donates a methyl group for methylation (DNA, detoxification, etc.) resulting in SAH formation. SAH is also the metabolic precursor of all the homocysteine (Hcy) produced in the body. In literature, SAH is sometimes referred to as AdoHcy.

S-Adenosylmethionine (RBC) reflects your body’s long-term ability to carry out methylation—the essential process that supports DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and overall cellular health. Measuring SAM inside red blood cells provides a stable view of methylation status and folate-cycle activity, helping identify nutrient deficiencies, metabolic stress, or functional imbalances that may affect energy, mood, inflammation, and detoxification pathways.

- The methylation cycle is all about making sure there is adequate SAM (S-adenosylmethionine)

- SAM is overwhelmingly the body’s main methyl donor

- Think of SAM as the body’s methylation currency

- SAM can donate a methyl group wherever it is needed