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Site and substrates for methane production in human colon
B Flourié1, P Pellier, C Florent
1Unité de Recherches sur les Fonctions Intestinales et la Nutrition, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité 290, Paris, France.
The American Journal of Physiology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Methane (CH4) production in the colon is influenced by the location of mucin or lactulose infusion. Left colonic administration significantly increased CH4 excretion in healthy methane producers, unlike right colonic administration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Gut microbiota metabolism significantly impacts host physiology.
- Methane (CH4) production by gut microbes is variable among individuals.
- Dietary components like mucin can serve as substrates for microbial fermentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of colonic location on mucin fermentation and gas production.
- To compare gas excretion patterns in methane (CH4) producers versus non-producers.
- To assess the effect of lactulose administration via oral and enema routes on gas production.
Main Methods:
- Controlled diet study with 12 healthy volunteers (6 CH4 producers, 6 non-producers).
- Infusion of hog gastric mucin (22 g) into the right and left colon on separate occasions.
- Oral and enema administration of lactulose (10 g) to 17 healthy volunteers (10 CH4 producers, 7 non-producers).
- Measurement of excess hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) in breath for 8 or 6 hours post-administration.
Main Results:
- In CH4 producers, left colonic mucin infusion yielded significantly higher CH4 (38.9 ml/8 h) compared to right colonic infusion (6.7 ml/8 h).
- Left colonic mucin infusion also resulted in lower H2 excretion in CH4 producers compared to right colonic infusion.
- Lactulose enema in CH4 producers produced significantly more CH4 (38.2 ml/6 h) than oral lactulose (7.7 ml/6 h).
- CH4 non-producers showed minimal to no CH4 production regardless of substrate or administration route.
Conclusions:
- The location of substrate fermentation within the colon significantly influences methane production in healthy individuals.
- Left colonic administration of mucin or lactulose preferentially stimulates methane production in CH4 producers.
- Individual capacity for methane production is a key determinant of gas profiles following colonic fermentation.