Sutterella is a genus of bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly associated with the microbiota of individuals with certain health conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies suggest that Sutterella may play a role in modulating immune responses or exacerbating inflammation in susceptible individuals. Its exact role in health and disease is still under investigation, but its presence in distinct health conditions points to its potential significance in gut-related pathologies and host-microbe interactions.1Williams, B. L., Hornig, M., Parekh, T., & Lipkin, W. I. (2012). Application of novel PCR-based methods for detection, quantitation, and phylogenetic characterization of Sutterella species in intestinal biopsy samples from children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. mBio, 3(1), e00261-11. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00261-11.
Role of Sutterella in human health
- Association with Gastrointestinal Disorders: Sutterella has been notably associated with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is suggested that Sutterella may influence the inflammatory processes in these conditions.2Hiippala, K., Jouhten, H., Ronkainen, A., Hartikainen, A., Kainulainen, V., Jalanka, J., & Satokari, R. (2016). The potential of gut commensals in reinforcing intestinal barrier function and alleviating inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(8), 2377. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082377.
- Potential Role in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Research has shown an increased prevalence of Sutterella in the gut of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting a possible link between the microbial composition and ASD symptoms, although the causal relationship and mechanisms remain unclear.3Williams, B. L., Hornig, M., Parekh, T., & Lipkin, W. I. (2012). Application of novel PCR-based methods for detection, quantitation, and phylogenetic characterization of Sutterella species in intestinal biopsy samples from children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. mBio, 3(1), e00261-11. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00261-11.
- Impact on Immune System: Sutterella species may influence the immune system, particularly within the gut, where microbial populations are known to interact with mucosal immunity. The exact effects of Sutterella on immune modulation are still being studied.4Kverka, M., Zakostelska, Z., Klimesova, K., Sokol, D., Hudcovic, T., Hrncir, T., Rossmann, P., Mrazek, J., Kopecny, J., & Verdu, E. F. (2011). Oral administration of Parabacteroides distasonis antigens attenuates experimental murine colitis through modulation of immunity and microbiota composition. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 163(2), 250-259. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04286.x.
Best sources of Sutterella
Sutterella is a genus of bacteria naturally occurring in the human gut, and like many other gut microbiota, it is not directly sourced from specific foods or supplements. Instead, its presence and abundance in the gut microbiome are influenced by broader dietary patterns and overall gut health. Here are some dietary strategies that can support a diverse and healthy gut microbiota, which may indirectly promote the growth of Sutterella:
- Diverse, High-Fiber Diet: Eating a wide variety of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can support the growth of a diverse gut microbiota. Fibers serve as prebiotics and feed beneficial bacteria, including Sutterella, by providing the substrates they need to thrive.
- Fermented Foods: Including fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet can help maintain a healthy gut environment. These foods contain live microorganisms that contribute to the microbial balance in the gut.
- Avoiding Excessive Antibiotics and Antimicrobials: Overuse of antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, reducing microbial diversity and affecting bacteria like Sutterella. Limiting unnecessary antibiotic use and choosing products without antimicrobial agents can help maintain a healthy gut microbiota.
- Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Foods rich in polyphenols, such as berries, nuts, seeds, and green tea, can promote gut health by providing antioxidants that bacteria can metabolize, potentially benefiting Sutterella and other gut microbes.5Conlon, M. A., & Bird, A. R. (2015). The impact of diet and lifestyle on gut microbiota and human health. Nutrients, 7(1), 17-44. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7010017.
Fun fact about Sutterella
A fun fact about Sutterella is that despite its association with negative health outcomes in some studies, it is a normal and stable component of the human gut microbiome. Intriguingly, Sutterella has been detected not just in humans but also in other primates, suggesting an evolutionary relationship and importance that dates back millions of years. This wide presence across different species underscores the complexity and ecological significance of Sutterella in gut microbial communities, playing roles that might be crucial yet are not fully understood in both health maintenance and disease processes. This bacterium’s role in the gut is a reminder of how diverse and complex our internal ecosystems truly are!
Where to find Sutterella in the Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test
You will find your Sutterella score in the “Acetate” section of the “Postbiotics” report in your Chuckling Goat Gut Microbiome Test results.
Synonyms: In 2011, another species of Parasutterella, Parasutterella secunda, was discovered, and both Parasutterella and Sutterella species were reclassified under the family Sutterellaceae.
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
- 1Williams, B. L., Hornig, M., Parekh, T., & Lipkin, W. I. (2012). Application of novel PCR-based methods for detection, quantitation, and phylogenetic characterization of Sutterella species in intestinal biopsy samples from children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. mBio, 3(1), e00261-11. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00261-11.
- 2Hiippala, K., Jouhten, H., Ronkainen, A., Hartikainen, A., Kainulainen, V., Jalanka, J., & Satokari, R. (2016). The potential of gut commensals in reinforcing intestinal barrier function and alleviating inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(8), 2377. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082377.
- 3Williams, B. L., Hornig, M., Parekh, T., & Lipkin, W. I. (2012). Application of novel PCR-based methods for detection, quantitation, and phylogenetic characterization of Sutterella species in intestinal biopsy samples from children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. mBio, 3(1), e00261-11. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00261-11.
- 4Kverka, M., Zakostelska, Z., Klimesova, K., Sokol, D., Hudcovic, T., Hrncir, T., Rossmann, P., Mrazek, J., Kopecny, J., & Verdu, E. F. (2011). Oral administration of Parabacteroides distasonis antigens attenuates experimental murine colitis through modulation of immunity and microbiota composition. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 163(2), 250-259. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04286.x.
- 5Conlon, M. A., & Bird, A. R. (2015). The impact of diet and lifestyle on gut microbiota and human health. Nutrients, 7(1), 17-44. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7010017.
