Digestion is more than just breaking food down. It’s also about how well your body absorbs the nutrients that food contains. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in this process. When it’s balanced, microbes help extract vitamins, produce short-chain fatty acids, and support the absorption of key minerals.
Microbes such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus break down complex fibers that humans cannot digest on their own. This fermentation process creates beneficial metabolites, including butyrate and acetate, which strengthen the gut lining and make nutrient uptake more efficient.
Certain bacteria also synthesize vitamins directly in the gut. Folate, vitamin K, and some B vitamins are all produced or supported by microbial activity. These vitamins are essential for blood health, brain function, and immunity, underscoring how much we depend on microbes for wellness.
An imbalanced microbiome disrupts digestion. Instead of producing helpful compounds, harmful bacteria can compete for nutrients, create gas, and increase inflammation. This reduces the body’s ability to absorb what it needs, even from a healthy diet.
Research shows that personalized prebiotics can restore balance by feeding the right strains. In clinical trials, these targeted approaches improved gut barrier function and nutrient absorption. By supporting underrepresented microbes, Precision Prebiotics create lasting improvements in digestion and overall health.
Krumbeck JA, Rasmussen HE, Hutkins RW, et al. Probiotic Bifidobacterium strains and galactooligosaccharides improve intestinal barrier function in obese adults but show no synergism when used together as synbiotics. Microbiome. 2018;6(1):121. doi:10.1186/s40168-018-0494-4
