Mixed
Higher relative abundance of the gut bacterial family Christensenellaceae is robustly associated with lower body mass index (BMI), reduced visceral adiposity, and improved metabolic health markers (lower triglycerides, higher HDL).
Focus on dietary patterns that support Christensenellaceae: consume adequate fiber (resistant starch, galacto-oligosaccharides) and protein. While you cannot change your genetics, these dietary inputs can increase the relative abundance of this bacteria, which is associated with healthier body composition and metabolic markers. Do not expect a probiotic supplement to replace diet and exercise, as the mechanism is not fully understood and the bacteria are complex to culture.
The relative abundance of Christensenellaceae in the human gut is inversely related to host body mass index (BMI) in different populations and multiple studies, making its relationship with BMI the most robust and reproducible link between the microbial ecology of the human gut and metabolic disease reported to date.
Why this rating
High consistency across multiple large human cohorts and corroborated by causal mouse experiments, though human mechanistic pathways are not fully defined.
Source
The human gut bacteria Christensenellaceae are widespread, heritable, and associated with health
Jillian L. Waters et al. · BMC Biology · 2019
DOI 10.1186/s12915-019-0699-4
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