# Eubacterium — a bacterial genus involved in fiber fermentation **Eubacterium** is a genus of mostly gram-positive bacteria commonly found in the human gut. Many species within this genus are obligate anaerobes that participate in the fermentation of dietary fibers and complex carbohydrates, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. Butyrate and other SCFAs support intestinal epithelial health, modulate local immune responses, and serve as energy sources for colonocytes. Eubacterium species are typically rod-shaped and non-spore-forming. Their classification as gram-positive reflects a thick peptidoglycan cell wall that retains the crystal violet stain used in Gram staining. In the gut ecosystem, Eubacterium often coexists with other fiber-fermenting bacteria and contributes to a balanced microbial community. [Read more about Eubacterium and its role in the gut microbiome](https://www.innerbuddies.com/blogs/gut-health/eubacterium-a-positive-bacteria)

How Eubacterium contributes to gut health

Eubacterium participates in several beneficial biochemical processes: - Fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates to SCFAs (notably butyrate). SCFAs help maintain mucosal barrier integrity and have anti-inflammatory effects. - Cross-feeding interactions with other microbes: breakdown products from one species can serve as substrates for others, supporting community resilience. - Contribution to bile acid metabolism and other metabolic pathways that influence host physiology. These activities are evidence-based functions observed in gut microbiome studies and animal models, though species-level effects can vary.

Dietary strategies to support Eubacterium

Because many Eubacterium species ferment dietary fibers, diets that supply fermentable substrates tend to favor their abundance. Practical dietary components include: - High-fiber foods: whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables provide diverse fibers for bacterial fermentation. - Resistant starches: green bananas, cooked-and-cooled potatoes or rice, and legumes increase fermentation substrates in the colon. - Prebiotic-rich plants: garlic, onions, leeks, chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes supply inulin and related oligosaccharides that nourish beneficial bacteria. - Polyphenol-rich foods: berries, green tea, nuts and dark chocolate provide compounds that selectively influence microbial composition. - Fermented foods such as yogurt or kefir can support overall gut ecosystem health, though they do not directly introduce Eubacterium species. Avoiding excess refined sugars and highly processed foods also helps maintain a microbiome environment favorable to fiber-fermenting taxa.

Further reading

For background on the gut microbiome and why it matters, see What is gut microbiota and why does it matter and additional material at What is gut microbiota and why does it matter. For information on testing approaches, a resource page is available at microbiome test. In summary, Eubacterium comprises gram-positive, largely anaerobic bacteria that play a beneficial role in fiber fermentation and SCFA production. Dietary patterns that provide diverse fermentable fibers and prebiotics tend to support the growth and activity of these species, contributing to a balanced gut microbial ecosystem.