Gut bacteria and their chemicals linked to how severe constipation is

Patients with severe functional constipation (FC) had significantly higher clinical and anxiety scores compared to those with mild and moderate FC.

• Severe FC is associated with a higher species richness of intestinal microorganisms.
• Differences in the composition of intestinal flora were observed, with Bacteroidota being more abundant in the severe FC group.
• Metabolomic analyses indicated distinct metabolite profiles between mild-to-moderate and severe FC patients.
• The severe FC group showed increased enrichment in metabolic pathways related to L-isoleucine biosynthesis and glycolysis.
• A decrease in butyric acid may be linked to worsening constipation.

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