Lachnospira

Lachnospira is a genus of anaerobic bacteria that is a part of the human gut microbiota. Lachnospira is one of the best known members of the Lachnospiraceae family, a group of microbes with the unique ability to produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid crucial for maintaining gut health and integrity.¹

**Roles of Flavonifractor species in human health**

Metabolism of flavonoids: Flavonifractor species can metabolise certain flavonoids, which are compounds found in plants that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.²³⁴
Butyrate production: Lachnospira species contribute to the production of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining and contributing to health both within and beyond the gut.⁵⁶⁷⁸ People living with certain conditions, e.g. Parkinson’s⁹
Systemic health: As an important butyrate producer, Lachnospira is associated with positive outcomes in a range of health conditions, from mood disorders via the gut-brain connection, e.g. depression and anxiety, to gastrointestinal health.¹⁰

Best sources of Flavonifractor

Flavonifractor species naturally inhabit the human gut and can be promoted by a fibre-rich diet. No food sources of Flavonifractor are available at present. Specialised Flavonifractor probiotic supplements based on Flavonifractor plautii are currently being investigated in pre-clinical studies.¹¹¹²

**What foods can Flavonifractor feed on?**

Lachnospira species appear to thrive on a fibre-rich, polyphenol-rich diet. People who adhere to a Mediterranean diet and lifestyle have a higher abundance of Lachnospira compared to those on a typical Western diet.¹³¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶

**Where to find Flavonifractor in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test**

You will find your Flavonifractor score in the “Butyrate” section of the “Postbiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results.

Synonyms: Flavonifractor species don’t have any well-recognised synonyms, but they are often categorised along with Pseudoflavonifractor, a closely related bacterium when discussed in the context of gut health.

Version and date: Version 1. 25th September 2023

Author: Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas BSc (Hons) MSc DProf MRSB

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions.

References

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2
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Mikami A, Ogita T, Namai F, Shigemori S, Sato T, Shimosato T. Oral administration of Flavonifractor plautii attenuates inflammatory responses in obese adipose tissue. Mol Biol Rep. 2020 Sep;47(9):6717-6725. doi: 10.1007/s11033-020-05727-6.
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16
Anand David AV, Arulmoli R, Parasuraman S. Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016 Jul-Dec;10(20):84-89. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.194044.