What question did this study set out to answer?

To review the metabolic contributions of gastrointestinal microorganisms to host nutrition and examine the physiological adaptations vertebrates use to harvest these benefits.

April 1, 1998Physiological ReviewsOpen Access

Contributions of Microbes in Vertebrate Gastrointestinal Tract to Production and Conservation of Nutrients

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Authors

CSCharles E. StevensRutgers, The State University of New Jersey IHIan D. HumeUniversity of Stuttgart

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Implication

Literature review reveals gut microbial nutrient synthesis across diverse vertebrates, highlighting how specialized digestive strategies sustain energy and nitrogen balance.

Key Points

To review the metabolic contributions of gastrointestinal microorganisms to host nutrition and examine the physiological adaptations vertebrates use to harvest these benefits.
Synthesized comparative physiological and microbiological literature across vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Evaluated the impact of digestive tract anatomy, digesta retention time, dietary fiber content, and feeding frequency on microbial fermentation.
Microbial fermentation of carbohydrates generates short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for intestinal epithelial cells and stimulate sodium and water absorption.
Gut microbes convert dietary and endogenous nitrogenous compounds into ammonia and microbial protein, while also synthesizing essential B vitamins.
Herbivorous adaptations—including enlarged gut capacity, lengthened digesta retention, foregut fermentation, and coprophagy—maximize the capture of microbial protein and maintenance energy.

Cite This Study

Stevens et al. (1998) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ff5d44ef8139f8ff7758fc https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.1998.78.2.393

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Implication

Literature review reveals gut microbial nutrient synthesis across diverse vertebrates, highlighting how specialized digestive strategies sustain energy and nitrogen balance.

Contributions of Microbes in Vertebrate Gastrointestinal Tract to Production and Conservation of Nutrients

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Contributions of Microbes in Vertebrate Gastrointestinal Tract to Production and Conservation of Nutrients

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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