This article clarifies the complex interaction between gut bacteria and IBS. Experiments demonstrate that gut bacteria can produce the important substance serotonin. The finding may lead to new future treatments.

“It is incredibly fascinating how the gut bacteria can produce bioactive signaling molecules that affect health.Our findings indicate that intestinal bacteria can form signaling substances such as serotonin, which may be the key to understanding how the intestine and its inhabitants can affect our brain and the behavior”, says Fredrik Bäckhed. 

Gut bacteria help produce serotonin in the intestines, which supports the gut’s nervous system and bowel movement. Conditions like IBS are linked to changes in serotonin and gut bacteria. This study found that two types of gut bacteria—L. mucosae and L. ruminis—can make serotonin and improve gut function in mice. People with IBS had less L. mucosae, suggesting that some gut bacteria may help maintain gut health by producing serotonin.

To the press release from the University of Gothenburg

To the article in Cell reports