Utilization of breath methane levels for SIBO assessment is controversial largely due to a lack of validation related to diagnostic specifics such as timing and magnitude of increase; however, CH4 measurements are increasingly obtained to address other clinical questions. Recent evidence has associated CH4 production with the pathogenesis of common clinical conditions, such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation.

The Methane Dysbiosis Score on a GI Effects panel is an assessment of the likelihood of methane-dominant dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract. Methane production in the gut is primarily attributed to methanogenic archaea, particularly Methanobrevibacter smithii. These organisms thrive in an anaerobic environment and use hydrogen, a byproduct of bacterial fermentation, to produce methane. Elevated methane levels are often associated with a slower transit time in the intestines, contributing to symptoms such as constipation and bloating, as well as potential disruptions in gut motility.

Methanogens convert acetate, ammonia, hydrogen gas, and trimethylamines (TMA) to methane gas. Methane gas also slows the intestinal transit and affects gut motility, which may also allow increased time for nutrient absorption. Furthermore, methane producers compete with acetate producers for substrate utilization, which may explain why methanogens are indirectly associated with digestive issues.

Family of bacteria-like microbes that produce methane. 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.

Methanobrevibacter smithii, a prominent archaeon (=a microorganism) in the human gut microbiome, is frequently identified in comprehensive gut health tests and plays a pivotal role in the intricate ecosystem of our digestive system. This microorganism is renowned for its ability to process hydrogen and carbon dioxide, producing methane as a byproduct, and thus, it significantly impacts the overall efficiency of the gut's fermentation processes.

Methanobrevibacter smithii, a prominent archaeon (=a microorganism) in the human gut microbiome, is frequently identified in comprehensive gut health tests and plays a pivotal role in the intricate ecosystem of our digestive system. This microorganism is renowned for its ability to process hydrogen and carbon dioxide, producing methane as a byproduct, and thus, it significantly impacts the overall efficiency of the gut's fermentation processes.

Methanobrevibacter smithii is highly prevalent in the human gut. Lower counts have been associated with obesity while higher amounts have been associated with anorexia.

Detecting methanol in cases of accidental ingestion, or intentional ingestion by potential suicide victims or alcoholics.

The presence of methanol indicates exposure which may result in intoxication, central nervous system (CNS) depression, and metabolic acidosis. Ingestion of methanol can be fatal if patients do not receive immediate medical treatment.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle. Methionine is obtained from dietary intake or through homocysteine remethylation. Methionine’s dietary sources include eggs, fish, meats, Brazil nuts, and other plant seeds. Methionine is converted to the body’s main methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This conversion requires the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT).

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle. Methionine is obtained from dietary intake or through homocysteine remethylation. Methionine’s dietary sources include eggs, fish, meats, Brazil nuts, and other plant seeds. Methionine is converted to the body’s main methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This conversion requires the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT).

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle. Methionine is obtained from dietary intake or through homocysteine remethylation. Methionine’s dietary sources include eggs, fish, meats, Brazil nuts, and other plant seeds. Methionine is converted to the body’s main methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This conversion requires the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT).

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle. Methionine is obtained from dietary intake or through homocysteine remethylation. Methionine’s dietary sources include eggs, fish, meats, Brazil nuts, and other plant seeds. Methionine is converted to the body’s main methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This conversion requires the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT).

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the methylation cycle. Methionine is obtained from dietary intake or through homocysteine remethylation. Methionine’s dietary sources include eggs, fish, meats, Brazil nuts, and other plant seeds. Methionine is converted to the body’s main methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). This conversion requires the enzyme methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT).