Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes

Bacteroidetes help suppress opportunistic species through competitive exclusion. Bacteroidetes break down complex polysaccharides and produce short-chain fatty acids. Firmicutes ferment carbohydrates and contribute to energy production. Bacteroidetes can produce inflammatory toxic byproducts when it shifts to protein breakdown. An elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio has been associated with pediatric obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Elevated Firmicutes can contribute to weight gain in patients consuming excess processed or high-carbohydrate calories.