The human gut microbiota, a bustling metropolis of bacteria, archaea, and fungi that live primarily in the colon, has long been recognized for its role in digestion and immune function. Now, scientists have uncovered another exciting talent in these tiny residents: vitamin synthesis.
Certain gastrointestinal (GI) microbes can produce B-vitamins, such as riboflavin and folate, as well as vitamin K, a finding known as far back as 1997 when research published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention presented evidence of such a role. More recent research has continued to explore the mechanism.
These vitamins are crucial for functions ranging from energy production to DNA synthesis and bone health. In modern times, we've relied on our diet for these nutrients. However, it appears we've had an internal source all along...
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