Could intestinal microbiota transplantation reshape our gut microbiome and boost health?
This article explores the role of gut bacteria and the potential benefits of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
Widely used to treat Clostridium difficile infections, FMT is offered by hospitals worldwide and boasts a remarkable cure rate, far surpassing antibiotics.
FMT also shows promise for chronic inflammatory bowel disease, depression, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, obesity, Parkinson’s and even cancer.
Microbiome
The gut microbiome, located in the colon, consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Broadly speaking, gut bacteria fall into two categories: symbiotic beneficial bacteria and pathogenic harmful bacteria. These microbes play vital roles in digestion, nutrient absorption, a defence against pathogens (bacterium viruses), and immune system regulation. In fact, up to 80% of immune cells reside in the gut.
Some other important functions of microbiome include hormonal regulation, e.g. estrogen, mental health and brain function, metabolism and weight regulation, as well as the synthesis of certain vitamins, including B1, B9, B12, and K.
Each person’s microbiota is unique, much like a fingerprint, shaped by factors such as diet, alcohol intake, stress, sleep quality, medications, antibiotics and environment.
“FMT is not a magic bullet. Long-term gut health depends on maintaining a diverse diet”
Other factors, such as geographical location and exposure to different microbes, also shape microbiome diversity. As a result, the gut bacteria of Africans, Asians, and Americans differ from those of Europeans.
Interestingly, the microbiome is sometimes considered a “separate organ”. In a 70kg person, gut bacteria weigh about 200 grams, roughly the size of a mango.
Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis is an imbalance in microbial colonies – either in type or number – that directly affects health.
This delicate balance can be disrupted by various factors, such as dietary changes or antibiotic use, leading to dysbiosis.
When harmful microbes accumulate over time, they can overpower beneficial ones, disrupting gut function and potentially causing issues like fatigue, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to name just a few.
FMT
The purpose of FMT is to restore balance in the large intestine and repair the gut microbiome. This is achieved by transferring bacteria from a carefully selected, healthy donor to someone with dysbiosis.
Donor selection is a rigorous process, involving extensive screening. Donors must follow a whole-food, high-fiber diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle, making suitable candidates difficult to find.
FMT is performed via colon infusion and often via capsules inserted through a tube into the stomach. The procedure, similar to a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, lasts about 40 minutes and is done under anesthesia.
Typically, one session is sufficient, but in some cases, repeat treatments may be necessary. It takes about three months for the bacteria to establish a cohesive and robust community. While some people notice immediate effects, others may take three to six months to experience the full benefits.
Benefits of FMT
FMT is a clinically established treatment for Clostridium difficile infections, bacterium that causes an infection of the colon. However, it is also being explored for conditions such as autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel disease, liver diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders.
A clear example of its potential benefits is when an overgrowth of specific pathogenic bacteria disrupts estrogen metabolism in women, leading to estrogen deactivation and deficiency. This imbalance may contribute to hormonal disorders like PCOS, irregular or absent periods, and infertility.
“Unlike probiotics, which contain only a few strains of bacteria, FMT offers a more comprehensive restoration of the gut microbiome”
FMT helps rapidly restore gut bacteria, allowing individuals to focus on additional lifestyle changes to support overall health. The improvements are often noticeable soon after the procedure, whereas lifestyle changes alone may take significantly longer to show results.
However, FMT is not a magic bullet. Long-term gut health depends on maintaining a diverse diet, correcting nutritional deficiencies, managing stress, prioritising sleep and staying physically active. These factors are essential for sustaining a balanced microbiome.
FMT clinics
The origins of FMT can be traced back to 14th-century Chinese medicine, where a concoction known as “green soup” was used to treat minor ailments.
Today, FMT has gained widespread recognition. It has been practised in Australia for over 30 years and even longer in the US.
The closest centre offering this treatment is located in Starnberg, Germany. The method, developed by Prof. Martin Storr and his team, reportedly achieves a very high success rate within one to three months post-procedure.
Probiotics
A common misconception is that probiotics “reseed” the gut. However, this is not the case.
The human microbiome contains thousands of species, while probiotic supplements typically contain just a few strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
In comparison to the vast microbial diversity in our gut, taking probiotics is like adding a small sprinkle rather than a complete restoration.
While probiotics do not permanently repopulate the gut, they serve specific functions, such as modulating the immune system and aiding in vitamin production. However, their effects diminish once supplementation stops.
Conclusion
Fecal microbiota transplantation is a promising treatment that can reshape our gut microbiome and boost health.
However, FMT is not a one-time fix; maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for long-term benefits.
Unlike probiotics, which contain only a few strains of bacteria, FMT offers a more comprehensive restoration of the gut microbiome.
As research progresses, FMT may become a recognised treatment for many more conditions, revolutionising how we approach gut health and disease management.
For further questions on this topic or changing dietary habits, contact Arnika Suska.
