How Gut Bacteria Break Down Skin-Supporting Molecules
Degradation and fermentation of hyaluronic acid by Bacteroides spp. from the human gut microbiota.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
High-molecular-weight HA is more degradable than low-Mw HA
Common belief is that smaller molecules are easier for microbes to break down. This study shows the opposite—larger HA chains were more readily degraded, which contradicts typical carbohydrate metabolism patterns.
Practical Takeaways
Consider probiotics containing Bacteroides salyersiae (if available) or prebiotics that support Bacteroides growth if you're taking HA supplements.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
High-molecular-weight HA is more degradable than low-Mw HA
Common belief is that smaller molecules are easier for microbes to break down. This study shows the opposite—larger HA chains were more readily degraded, which contradicts typical carbohydrate metabolism patterns.
Practical Takeaways
Consider probiotics containing Bacteroides salyersiae (if available) or prebiotics that support Bacteroides growth if you're taking HA supplements.
Publication
Journal
Carbohydrate polymers
Year
2024
Authors
Ziyi Fang, Mingfeng Ma, Yamin Wang, Wei Dai, Qingsen Shang, Guangli Yu
Related Content
Claims (8)
Your gut bacteria turn the hyaluronic acid you swallow into tiny pieces that your body can absorb; if you don’t have those bacteria, your body can’t absorb anything from it.
A specific gut bacteria called Bacteroides salyersiae breaks down a substance in your body called hyaluronic acid and makes a small sugar molecule called udp4 as a result.
A specific type of gut bacteria called Bacteroides salyersiae is better at breaking down a substance called hyaluronic acid—no matter if it’s big or small molecules—than other similar bacteria we’ve looked at.
Some good bacteria in your gut can break down a substance called hyaluronic acid, and different strains do it in different ways—some even share the broken-down pieces with other bacteria, like one bacteria passing along a chemical called UDP4.
A special sugar made by one type of gut bacteria can be eaten by other gut bacteria that can’t break down hyaluronic acid on their own — like sharing a snack they can’t make themselves.