Your good gut bacteria is essential to a healthy immune system. “The gut microbiota that resides in the gastrointestinal tract provides essential health benefits to its host, particularly by regulating immune homeostasis. Moreover, it has recently become obvious that alterations of these gut microbial communities can cause immune dysregulation, leading to autoimmune disorders.” [1]
Gut Bacteria Metabolic Activity and Vitamins
* Thiamine, folate, biotin, riboflavin, panthothenic acid are also synthesized by gut bacteria
* It has been estimated that up to half of the daily Vitamin K requirement is provided by gut bacteria
* B vitamins are synthesized by plants, yeasts, and bacteria… and their metabolized by intestinal bacteria
We also know: NAD+ controls the metabolism of Vitamin C and D.
* Autoimmune diseases tend to share a predisposition for vitamin D deficiency, which alters the microbiome and integrity of the gut epithelial barrier
* Metabolic syndrome can prompt imbalances in the gut microbiome, with impaired gut function contributing to toxins in the bloodstream, resulting in vitamin C depletion, which subsequently impairs the trafficking of vitamin E
Healthy Gut Bacteria and COVID-19
There is a connection between COVID-19 and healthy gut bacteria. A recent study demonstrated the connection between gut and SARS-CoV-2 virus’ however, it couldn’t be determined if the lack of healthy gut bacteria resulted in more severe COVID-19, or COVID-19 inhibited healthy gut bacteria. It is possible that both occur.
“Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the GI tract is involved in this disease. We investigated whether the gut microbiome is linked to disease severity in patients with COVID-19, and whether perturbations in microbiome composition, if any, resolve with clearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.” [2]
1. The role of gut microbiota in immune homeostasis and autoimmunity (NIH)
2. Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19 (British Society of Gastroenterology)