Probiotics (Bifidobacterium)

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 4, 2026

Suggested2 studies

Bifidobacterium probiotics may help lower uric acid levels through gut-mediated pathways

Two studies encompassing data from over 1.7 million participants support the protective role of Bifidobacterium in urate metabolism. A large-scale Mendelian randomization analysis (combined N>1.7 million from MiBioGen, Dutch Microbiome Project, Global Biobank, and CKDGen consortia) identified that Bifidobacteriales and Bifidobacteriaceae exert protective effects on uric acid levels, mediated through increased docosahexaenoic acid production, with colocalization analysis confirming genetic links at the MCM6/LCT locus. A systematic review of literature from 2000-2022 documented that intestinal microbiota actively participates in uric acid degradation and excretion, with gut microflora metabolites regulating urate transporter protein expression. This dual excretion pathway becomes particularly important when renal function is compromised, offering a mechanistic basis for probiotic supplementation in gout management.

Evidence

Molecular mechanisms regulating uric acid metabolism in the human intestine, systematic literature review

Authors: G. S. Konyshko, N. A. Konyshko

Published: October 1, 2023

The systematic review spanning 2000-2022 literature from four major databases documented that intestinal microbiota suppresses gout inflammation and participates in uric acid degradation and excretion alongside intestinal flora metabolites. The review identified this microbiome-uric acid relationship as a novel therapeutic avenue, noting that when renal excretion pathways are compromised, intestinal excretion becomes increasingly important. Gut microflora metabolites regulate transcription factors controlling urate transporter protein expression, providing a mechanistic basis for microbiome-targeted interventions in gout management and prevention of associated complications including renal damage.

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Dissecting the causal effect between gut microbiota, DHA, and urate metabolism: A large-scale bidirectional Mendelian randomization

Authors: Guang Ning, Guang Ning, Hong Lin, Hong Lin, Huajie Dai, Huajie Dai, Jie Zheng, Jie Zheng, Jieli Lu, Jieli Lu, Mian Li, Mian Li, Min Xu, Min Xu, Qi Wang, Qi Wang, Shuangyuan Wang, Shuangyuan Wang, Tiange Wang, Tiange Wang, Tianzhichao Hou, Tianzhichao Hou, Weiqing Wang, Weiqing Wang, Xiaoyun Zhang, Xiaoyun Zhang, Yanan Hou, Yanan Hou, Yanyun Gu, Yanyun Gu, Yu Xu, Yu Xu, Yufang Bi, Yufang Bi, Yuhong Chen, Yuhong Chen, Zhiyun Zhao, Zhiyun Zhao

Published: March 1, 2023

This large-scale bidirectional Mendelian randomization study analyzed data from multiple consortia including MiBioGen (N=18,340), Dutch Microbiome Project (N=7,738), Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative for gout (N=1,448,128), and CKDGen for urate (N=288,649). Mediation MR analysis demonstrated that Bifidobacteriales order and Bifidobacteriaceae family exert protective effects on urate levels mediated through increased docosahexaenoic acid. These bacteria shared a common causal variant rs182549 with both DHA and urate, located within the MCM6/LCT locus. Colocalization analysis confirmed the genetic relationship between these microbiota taxa and urate metabolism.

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