Veillonella is a genus of anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the human gut microbiome. These bacteria are known for their role in the fermentation process, converting lactate into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly propionate. This metabolic activity is crucial as it helps maintain intestinal pH balance, supports colon health, and provides metabolic energy. Veillonella species are also linked to oral health, forming part of the dental and oral microbiomes. Their presence in both oral and gut environments highlights their importance in microbial ecology and human health.1Arumugam, M., et al. (2011). Enterotypes of the human gut microbiome. Nature, 473(7346), 174-180. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09944.
Role of Veillonella in human health
- Metabolism of Lactate: Veillonella is crucial for converting lactate produced by other bacteria into propionate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA). Propionate is important for colon health as it serves as an energy source for colonic cells and helps regulate cholesterol synthesis and inflammation.2Louis, P., & Flint, H. J. (2017). Formation of propionate and butyrate by the human colonic microbiota. Environmental Microbiology, 19(1), 29-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.13589.
- Oral Health: In the oral microbiome, Veillonella is involved in metabolic interactions with other bacteria, such as Streptococcus, contributing to oral health and the progression of dental diseases like caries.3Mashima, I., & Nakazawa, F. (2015). Interaction between Streptococcus spp. and Veillonella tobetsuensis in the early stages of oral biofilm formation. Journal of Bacteriology, 197(13), 2104-2111. https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.02512-14.
- Influence on Gut Barrier Function: By producing SCFAs, Veillonella can influence the integrity of the gut barrier, thereby impacting immune responses and potentially reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases.4Canfora, E. E., Jocken, J. W., & Blaak, E. E. (2015). Short-chain fatty acids in control of body weight and insulin sensitivity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 11(10), 577-591. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2015.128.
- Interaction with the Immune System: SCFAs produced by Veillonella, such as propionate, have immunomodulatory effects. These compounds can influence the production of cytokines and chemokines, thereby modulating immune cell functions.5Corrêa-Oliveira, R., Fachi, J. L., Vieira, A., Sato, F. T., & Vinolo, M. A. R. (2016). Regulation of immune cell function by short-chain fatty acids. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 5(4), e73. https://doi.org/10.1038/cti.2016.17.
Best sources of Veillonella
Veillonella is a genus of bacteria that naturally colonizes the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, rather than being directly consumed through specific foods or supplements. The presence and balance of Veillonella in the gut microbiome are influenced by overall microbiome health and interactions with other bacteria, rather than by direct dietary sources. However, promoting a healthy environment that supports the growth of Veillonella can be influenced by general dietary habits:
- Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Since Veillonella is part of the normal oral microbiota, maintaining good oral hygiene without excessive use of antimicrobial products that disrupt the oral microbiome can help sustain its levels.6Marsh, P. D. (2003). Are dental diseases examples of ecological catastrophes? Microbiology, 149(2), 279-294. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.26082-0.
- Dietary Lactate: Consuming foods that can increase lactic acid production by other bacteria in the mouth, such as those rich in carbohydrates that fermentable bacteria can process, may indirectly support Veillonella growth, as it uses lactic acid as a substrate.
- Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in fibers and moderate in simple sugars can help maintain a healthy gut microbiota, indirectly supporting the growth conditions for Veillonella and other beneficial microbes.
- Avoiding Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics: Avoiding unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can help maintain the natural balance of the oral and gut microbiomes, supporting the survival of native bacteria including Veillonella.
Where to find Veillonella in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test
You will find your Veillonella score in the “Proprionate” section of the “Postbiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results.
Fun fact about Veillonella
A fun fact about Veillonella is that despite being classified as bacteria that lack the ability to produce energy through the breakdown of carbohydrates, they have carved out a unique niche in the microbial ecosystem of the human body. Veillonella bacteria are not capable of fermenting sugars themselves, but they cleverly survive by utilizing lactic acid produced by other bacteria as their main energy source.
This interdependence highlights a remarkable aspect of microbial life in the human body: Veillonella thrives in close association with other bacteria, such as Streptococcus, in the oral cavity. As Streptococcus bacteria break down sugars to produce lactic acid, Veillonella quickly uses this lactic acid, turning it into propionate and other byproducts. This symbiotic relationship not only showcases the collaborative nature of microbial communities but also the specialized metabolic adaptations that bacteria can evolve to survive in diverse environments like the human body.
Synonyms: “Syzygiococcus” Herzberg 1928
Veillonella is typically found alongside other genera within the Veillonellaceae family, such as:
- Acidaminococcus: Specializes in fermenting amino acids.
- Dialister: Known for its presence in dental plaques and contributions to oral and systemic health.
- Megasphaera: Involves in various fermentation processes, including converting substrates like lactate into useful byproducts.
These genera share habitats in the human body, particularly in anaerobic environments such as the oral cavity and gut, where they play roles in maintaining health and, in some cases, contributing to disease states. Their presence in similar environments highlights the complex interactions within microbial communities that contribute to their survival and function.
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 with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.
References
- 1Arumugam, M., et al. (2011). Enterotypes of the human gut microbiome. Nature, 473(7346), 174-180. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09944.
- 2Louis, P., & Flint, H. J. (2017). Formation of propionate and butyrate by the human colonic microbiota. Environmental Microbiology, 19(1), 29-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.13589.
- 3Mashima, I., & Nakazawa, F. (2015). Interaction between Streptococcus spp. and Veillonella tobetsuensis in the early stages of oral biofilm formation. Journal of Bacteriology, 197(13), 2104-2111. https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.02512-14.
- 4Canfora, E. E., Jocken, J. W., & Blaak, E. E. (2015). Short-chain fatty acids in control of body weight and insulin sensitivity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 11(10), 577-591. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2015.128.
- 5Corrêa-Oliveira, R., Fachi, J. L., Vieira, A., Sato, F. T., & Vinolo, M. A. R. (2016). Regulation of immune cell function by short-chain fatty acids. Clinical & Translational Immunology, 5(4), e73. https://doi.org/10.1038/cti.2016.17.
- 6Marsh, P. D. (2003). Are dental diseases examples of ecological catastrophes? Microbiology, 149(2), 279-294. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.26082-0.