Dorea

Dorea is a genus of anaerobic, gram-positive bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is a member of the family Lachnospiraceae within the Firmicutes phylum. Dorea plays a role in fermenting carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for colonic health. These SCFAs contribute to the integrity of the gut barrier, modulate the immune system, and influence energy metabolism. Research has linked Dorea with various conditions, including obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting that changes in its abundance may reflect or influence disease states.¹

Role of Dorea species in human health

Gastrointestinal Health: Dorea is involved in the production of SCFAs, which are crucial for maintaining the health of the colon. SCFAs, such as butyrate, provide energy to colonocytes, help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, and modulate the immune response within the gut. This can help prevent conditions like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).²
Immune Function: SCFAs produced by Dorea have immunomodulatory effects. They play a key role in promoting the differentiation of T-regulatory cells and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which are vital for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.³
Metabolic Health: Research has linked Dorea with metabolic processes, including influencing body weight and insulin sensitivity. Variations in the abundance of Dorea have been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes, suggesting its role in metabolic health.⁴
Mental Health: Emerging studies suggest a connection between gut microbiota, including Dorea, and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. The metabolic products of Dorea may influence brain function and behavior, potentially affecting conditions such as depression and anxiety.⁵

Best sources of Dorea

Dorea, like many other beneficial gut bacteria, is not sourced directly from food or external supplements. Instead, its presence and abundance in the human gut are influenced by dietary patterns that favor the growth of a healthy microbiome. To support the growth and activity of Dorea, a diet rich in diverse, fermentable fibers is recommended. Here are some dietary sources that can help foster a favorable environment for Dorea and other similar gut bacteria:

Whole Grains: Foods like oats, barley, and whole wheat contain non-digestible carbohydrates that ferment in the colon, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of fiber and resistant starch, which are ideal substrates for Dorea.
Vegetables: Particularly fibrous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables like carrots and beets, provide complex carbohydrates that are broken down by gut bacteria.
Fruits: Apples, bananas, and berries contain pectin and other soluble fibers that beneficial microbes can ferment.
Prebiotic Foods: Foods high in prebiotic fibers like garlic, onions, and leeks can also stimulate the growth of Dorea by providing the specific types of fibers that these bacteria thrive on.⁶

Where to find Dorea in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test

You will find your Dorea score in the “Acetate” section of the “Postbiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results.

Synonyms: Eubacterium formicigenerans was reclassified to Dorea formicigenerans, Holdeman and Moore 1974.

Dorea is typically found alongside other genera within the Lachnospiraceae family such as:

Blautia
Roseburia
Lachnospira
Coprococcus

These genera collectively contribute to the fermentation of dietary fibers, producing energy sources for the host and regulating various physiological functions, including immune modulation and inflammation control. They are crucial for maintaining a balanced microbial ecosystem in the gut, supporting overall health.

Important disclaimer

The Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Handbook is an educational resource built to translate complex science into plain English. The information provided on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before changing your diet or starting to take food supplements.

References

1
Munukka, E., Rintala, A., Toivonen, R., Nylund, M., Yang, B., Takanen, A., & Hänninen, A. (2017). Faecalibacterium prausnitzii treatment improves hepatic health and reduces adipose tissue inflammation in high-fat fed mice. ISME Journal, 11, 1667-1679. https://doi.org/10.1038/ismej.2017.24
2
Louis, P., & Flint, H. J. (2014). Diversity, metabolism and microbial ecology of butyrate-producing bacteria from the human large intestine. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 334(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2009.01514.x.
3
Smith, P. M., Howitt, M. R., Panikov, N., Michaud, M., Gallini, C. A., Bohlooly-Y, M., Glickman, J. N., & Garrett, W. S. (2013). The microbial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, regulate colonic Treg cell homeostasis. Science, 341(6145), 569-573. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1241165.
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Karlsson, F. H., Tremaroli, V., Nookaew, I., Bergström, G., Behre, C. J., Fagerberg, B., Nielsen, J., & Bäckhed, F. (2013). Gut metagenome in European women with normal, impaired and diabetic glucose control. Nature, 498(7452), 99-103. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12198.
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Foster, J. A., & McVey Neufeld, K. A. (2013). Gut-brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences, 36(5), 305-312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2013.01.005.
6
Flint, H. J., Scott, K. P., Louis, P., & Duncan, S. H. (2012). The role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 9(10), 577-589. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.156.