Are you absorbing what you eat? Delving into the gut microbiome.

Many people struggle with low nutrient levels despite eating enough food. This puzzling situation often leads to frustration and confusion. The missing piece of the puzzle is usually not what they eat but how well their body absorbs those nutrients. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this process. Understanding this connection can change how we approach nutrition and health.

Why Nutrient Deficiency Happens Even When Eating Enough

Eating a balanced diet is essential, but it does not guarantee that your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Nutrient absorption depends on several factors, including the health of your digestive system and the balance of microbes in your gut.

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in your digestive tract. These microbes help break down food, produce vitamins, and support the immune system. When the microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to poor digestion and reduced nutrient absorption.

For example, someone might consume enough iron-rich foods but still develop iron deficiency anemia. This can happen if their gut bacteria are not functioning properly or if inflammation in the gut interferes with iron uptake. Similarly, vitamin B12 deficiency can occur even with adequate dietary intake if the gut environment does not support its absorption.

How Nutrition Is About Absorption, Not Just Intake

Nutrition is often thought of as simply eating the right foods. While diet is important, absorption is equally critical. The body must extract nutrients from food and transport them into the bloodstream to be used by cells.

Several factors affect absorption:

• Gut lining health: Damage or inflammation can reduce nutrient uptake.

• Enzyme production: Digestive enzymes break down food into absorbable parts.

• Microbial balance: Certain bacteria produce enzymes and vitamins that aid absorption.

• Gut motility: The speed at which food moves through the intestines affects nutrient contact time.

  
  

If any of these factors are impaired, nutrient levels can drop despite sufficient intake. This explains why some people remain deficient even when their diet appears adequate.

Using Microbiome Testing to Understand Nutrient Deficiencies

Microbiome testing analyzes the types and amounts of microbes in the gut. This information helps identify imbalances or harmful bacteria that may interfere with digestion and absorption.

In clinical practice, microbiome testing can reveal:

• Low levels of beneficial bacteria that produce vitamins like B12 and K

• Overgrowth of bacteria that consume nutrients before the body can absorb them

• Signs of inflammation or gut barrier dysfunction

  
  

By understanding a person’s unique microbiome profile, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to restore balance and improve nutrient absorption.

For example, if testing shows a deficiency in bacteria that help absorb iron, targeted probiotics or dietary changes can support those microbes. If inflammation is present, treatments to calm the gut lining may be necessary.

The Growing Science Behind the Gut Microbiome and Nutrition

Research on the gut microbiome has expanded rapidly in recent years. Studies show that gut bacteria influence not only digestion but also metabolism, immune function, and even mood.

Key findings include:

• Certain gut bacteria synthesize vitamins like B12 and folate.

• Microbial diversity correlates with better nutrient absorption and overall health.

• Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, is linked to conditions like anemia and malnutrition.

• Probiotics and prebiotics can improve gut health and nutrient status in some cases.

  
  

This growing body of evidence supports the idea that addressing the gut microbiome is essential for resolving nutrient deficiencies.

Collaborating with Experts to Address Complex Cases

Working closely with specialists enhances patient care. For example, my collaboration with Dr Andrew Klein, who runs the iron and B12 clinic in Cambridge, allows for comprehensive assessment and treatment of nutrient deficiencies.

Dr Klein’s clinic focuses on diagnosing and managing iron and B12 deficiencies and he is well known for the relief he brings to patients. Please see his website here: https://cambridgeironandb12.com/

Practical Steps to Support Gut Microbiome and Nutrient Absorption

If you suspect your nutrient levels are low despite eating well, consider these steps:

• Get tested: Microbiome and nutrient testing can uncover hidden issues. See my Nutri Insights service on my website to have your blood tests properly assessed.

• Eat fiber-rich foods: Fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria. If you don't tolerate fibre well it is a sign of a likely dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria).

• Include fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut support microbial diversity.

• Manage stress: Stress affects gut health and digestion.

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: These can disrupt the microbiome. They are, however, life saving at the right time.

• Work with healthcare providers: Specialists can guide testing and treatment.

  
  

Get in touch if you need support! Happy digestion and absorption to all!