Gut microbial metabolites and its impact on human health

Abstract

One of the primary methods by which the gut microbiome interacts with its host is through the interactions that occur through the production of the metabolites produced, either directly, or indirectly, through microbial metabolism. Decades of research has demonstrated that these metabolic products play a vital role in human health, either for its benefit or detriment. This review article highlights the main metabolites produced by the interactions between diet and the gut microbiome, bile acids and the gut microbiome, and products produced by the gut microbiome alone. Additionally, this article reviews the literature on the effects that these metabolites play on human health.

Keywords Gut metabolites, microbiome, short chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, bile acids

Ann Gastroenterol 2023; 36 (4): 360-368