Holding Stool in the Gut for Too Long Can Be Harmful: Linked to Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases

Distinct Differences in Microbiome Composition
Depending on Intestinal Transit Time

Slow Transit Linked to Inflammatory and Metabolic Diseases
Rapid Transit Also Reduces Gut Microbial Diversity

According to a new study, the speed at which stool passes through the intestines can impact health, extending beyond simple bowel habits.

On April 20 (local time), ScienceAlert, a scientific media outlet, reported findings from a research team at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, stating, "The composition of the gut microbiome differs significantly depending on intestinal transit time, which can have important effects on overall health."

Toilet. The photo is not related to specific expressions in the article. Unsplash

The research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of participants' intestinal transit times, stool characteristics, diets, gut microbiome compositions, and metabolites. The analysis included data from thousands of individuals not only in good health but also those with various conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and cirrhosis.

According to the research team, there were marked differences in the gut microbiota between people with fast and slow intestinal transit. They explained that since the gut microbiome is closely linked to health, these differences could be connected to various health effects that have previously been overlooked.

Notably, slow intestinal transit and constipation were found to be associated not only with metabolic and inflammatory diseases but also with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

In cases of fast intestinal transit, microbiota that rapidly proliferate and are adapted to carbohydrate-based diets were predominant. In contrast, when transit time was slower, microbiota that primarily utilize proteins tended to dominate.

Additionally, both excessively fast and excessively slow transit times were associated with lower diversity in the gut microbiome compared to those with average transit times.

Furthermore, intestinal transit time was found to potentially affect responses to probiotics, certain supplements, and medications.

The research team explained that identifying microbiome characteristics associated with intestinal transit time could help develop methods for treating and managing these conditions. They also noted that even with identical diets, individuals may experience different outcomes depending on their intestinal transit speeds.

The research team added, "Understanding the complex and bidirectional interactions between the gut microbiome and intestinal transit time is crucial for explaining changes in the microbiome observed in health and disease."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.