Anaerostipes caccae: A Helpful Gut Bacteria for People With Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

A simple, patient-friendly explanation based on the latest research.

Why This Bacteria Matters

Anaerostipes caccae is a type of beneficial gut bacteria that produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that strengthens the gut lining and helps reduce inflammation in the body. Because people with Ankylosing Spondylitis often have altered gut bacteria and higher gut inflammation, supporting butyrate-producing bacteria may be especially helpful.

How Anaerostipes caccae Supports People With AS

1. Improve gut barrier strength

Butyrate helps repair and strengthen the lining of the gut. This is important for AS because a “leaky” or inflamed gut can allow inflammatory molecules into the bloodstream, worsening symptoms.

2. Reduce inflammation

Butyrate has been shown to calm overactive immune responses and reduce inflammatory pathways that play a role in AS.

3. Support a healthier gut microbiome

Anaerostipes caccae helps create a more balanced environment in the gut, which may support overall gastrointestinal and immune health.

How to Support Anaerostipes caccae Naturally

Eat a variety of cruciferous vegetables

These vegetables contain fibers and plant compounds that beneficial bacteria—like Anaerostipes caccae—use as fuel.

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Brussels sprouts

• Bok choy

• Kale

• Cabbage

Eat a variety of other high-fiber plant foods

Diverse fiber supports a diverse microbiome.

• Artichokes

• Asparagus

• Garlic

• Onions

• A wide variety of colorful vegetables

Include polyphenol-rich foods

Polyphenols act as “microbiome boosters.”

• Berries

• Olive oil

• Red and purple fruits

• Herbs and spices such as turmeric, rosemary, oregano, and cloves

What to Do Now (Simple Action Steps)

1. Add 1–2 servings of cruciferous vegetables each day: Rotate between different types for diversity.

2. Eat a wide range of vegetables and plant foods throughout the week: Your gut bacteria thrive on variety.

3. Include polyphenol-rich foods daily: A handful of berries or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is a great start.

References

1. Louis, P., & Flint, H. J. (2017). Formation of propionate and butyrate by the human colonic microbiota. Environmental Microbiology, 19(1), 29–41. doi:10.1111/1462-2920.13589

2. O’Toole, P. W., & Jeffery, I. B. (2015). Gut microbiota and aging. Science, 350(6265), 1214–1215. doi:10.1126/science.aac8469

3. Zhou, Y., et al. (2020). Altered gut microbiota in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 22, 49. doi:10.1186/s13075-020-2135-5

4. Asahara, T., et al. (2011). Anaerostipes caccae gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel saccharolytic, acetate-utilizing, butyrate-producing bacterium from human faeces. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 61(Pt 8), 1819–1825. doi:10.1099/ijs.0.024752-0

5. Rios-Covian, D., et al. (2016). Intestinal short chain fatty acids and their link with diet and human health. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 185. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00185

Do high-fiber foods and vegetables give you digestive symptoms such as gas and bloating?

The following supplement provides the beneficial gut bacteria Anaerostipes caccae that produces butyrate.