Gut Methane Microbes May Influence How Many Calories You Absorb

New research from Arizona State University reveals that methane-producing microbes in the gut may help some people extract more calories from high-fiber diets. Published in The ISME Journal, the study highlights how gut methane levels can shape metabolism and individual responses to diet.

People whose microbiomes generate more methane tend to absorb more energy from fiber-rich foods, possibly explaining why identical meals affect individuals differently. These methane makers—called methanogens—consume hydrogen released during fiber fermentation, releasing methane as a byproduct and promoting more efficient production of short-chain fatty acids, an energy source for the body.

Using a specialized calorimeter, researchers tracked metabolism and methane output from participants on both high-fiber and processed diets. The findings suggest that methane levels could become a key biomarker for personalized nutrition, paving the way for diets tailored to each person’s unique microbial activity and energy absorption patterns.

03-11-2025