Family of bacteria-like microbes that produce methane.

Methanobacteriaceae are methane-producing, bacteria-like microbes that play an important role in the gut ecosystem by facilitating carbohydrate fermentation and production of short-chain fatty acids by commensal bacteria. [L]

Facilitates carbohydrate fermentation and short-chain fatty acid production by beneficial bacteria.

High levels linked to chronic constipation, as well as some types of SIBO and IBS. Low levels may indicate reduced production of short-chain fatty acids and may be associated with inflammation.

References:

Chaudhary PP, Conway PL, Schlundt J. Methanogens in humans: potentially beneficial or harmful for health. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018;102(7):3095-3104 [L] 246

Ghoshal U, et al. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Particularly the Constipation-Predominant Form, Involves an Increase in Methanobrevibacter smithii , Which Is Associated with Higher Methane Production. Gut Liver. 2016;10(6):932- 938 [L] 247

Ghavami SB, et al. Alterations of the human gut Methanobrevibacter smithii as a biomarker for inflammatory bowel diseases. Microb Pathog. 2018;117:285-289 [L] 248