Gut Bacteria Cooperation
A laboratory study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology in 2018 tracked gut bacteria breaking down resistant starch for other bacteria, demonstrating a cooperative relationship between different species of gut bacteria.
This finding highlights the complex interactions within the gut microbiome, where different species work together to break down complex nutrients.
Resistant Starch Breakdown
The study focused on the breakdown of resistant starch, a type of starch that is not easily digested by the body.
Resistant potato starch, which makes up 16% of the BIOMEWARD blend, is one example of a resistant starch that can be broken down by gut bacteria.
Supporting Research
The research page links 36 papers, including 35 human studies and one laboratory study, each through PubMed or DOI, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on prebiotic fibre.
These studies demonstrate the importance of fibre in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, with the Australian nutrient reference values setting daily fibre targets of 25 g for women and 30 g for men.
Practical Implications
The finding that gut bacteria cooperate to break down resistant starch has practical implications for our understanding of how to support a healthy gut microbiome.
By consuming a daily prebiotic fibre powder, such as BIOMEWARD, which contains 16% resistant potato starch, individuals can provide their gut bacteria with the nutrients they need to thrive, as supported by the 2018 laboratory study and the 35 human studies.