Gut bacteria use food cues to help time nutrient absorption, study finds
Biological clocks are often associated with light. Historically, most people started their days when the sun was up and ended their days when the sun set. But new research from Carnegie Mellon University suggests that some of the body's most important timekeepers live in the gut.
Recent research from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that gut bacteria can detect when people eat and help coordinate nutrient absorption at the right time of day. Unlike most biological clocks, which are associated with light, these bacteria use food as a signal to tell time. When individuals consume food, gut bacteria produce molecules that communicate with intestinal cells, prompting them to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
This previously unknown link between the microbiome, circadian rhythms, and metabolism sheds light on how bacteria have evolved alongside humans over millions of years. During periods of food scarcity, bacteria that enhanced nutrient absorption provided a survival advantage. However, in modern times with constant access to calorie-dense foods, this system may contribute to metabolic issues like obesity.
The study also suggests that bacteria involved in nutrient absorption could be utilized to combat malnutrition, particularly in undernourished populations. While the findings have implications for nutrition and agriculture, their applications remain years away.
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