abstract:Methanobrevibacter smithii is the dominant archaeon in the human gut. It is important for the efficient digestion of polysaccharides (complex sugars) because it consumes end products of bacterial fermentation.
The culprit, she believes, is a member of archaea known as Methanobrevibactersmithii, which is present in the intestinal tract of about 70% of people, but elevated in about 30%.