Tag: short-chain fatty acids

Bacteroides species are among the most abundant and influential members of the human gastrointestinal tract, representing up to 30% of the total fecal microbiota. As specialized Gram-negative organisms, they play a foundational role in human health by breaking down complex dietary fibers and excluding potential pathogens through a process known as colonization resistance. This article examines the unique anatomical features of the Bacteroides genus and explores how their complex metabolism supports the delicate physiological balance of the human digestive system.