What is co-metabolism in short?

Co-metabolism is the shared metabolism between you and your micro-organisms: processes that host and microbiome carry out together, such as the conversion of fibre into short-chain fatty acids.

Why does healthy eating not work the same for everyone?

Because the outcome partly depends on your microbiome. The same food is converted differently by different microbial communities, resulting in different metabolites and effects.

Is co-metabolism scientifically supported?

Yes. The underlying mechanisms (SCFA production, bile acid and tryptophan metabolism, the gut-brain axis) are peer-reviewed. The application to the individual is a supportive, observational reading, not a diagnosis.

CosmoLexicon › Co-metabolism

Co-metabolism

EN: co-metabolism · related terms: holobiont, microbiome, postbiotics

Definition Co-metabolism is the shared metabolism between you and your micro-organisms: metabolic processes that host and microbiome carry out together and that neither could perform alone — from the digestion of fibre into short-chain fatty acids, to the conversion of bile acids and the production of neurotransmitter building blocks. A continuous, two-way exchange that helps shape your health.

In plain language

Your body does nothing alone. In and on you lives an enormous team of micro-organisms, and together you form one working whole — a holobiont. Co-metabolism is the way you "cook" together: you supply the raw materials (your food, your own substances), your microbes convert them into new molecules, and you then use those in turn. A classic example: fibre that you cannot digest yourself is converted by your gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate — fuel for your gut wall and a signal for your immune system and your brain. It also means that "eating healthily" does not turn out the same for everyone: it depends on who is sitting at your table. Understand that interplay, and you understand why your body reacts differently from someone else's.

The science behind

In the holobiont context, co-metabolism refers to metabolic pathways that require enzymes from both host and microbiome — to be distinguished from the classic enzymological term. Four well-studied axes:

• Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Microbial fermentation of fibre yields butyrate, propionate and acetate: fuel for colonocytes, regulation of the gut barrier, induction of regulatory T cells and signalling to the brain via the vagus nerve.
• Bile acids. Microbes convert primary bile acids into secondary ones, which via FXR and TGR5 receptors help steer fat and glucose metabolism.
• Tryptophan. The microbiota direct tryptophan towards serotonin, kynurenine or indole compounds (AhR ligands) — with effects on mood, immunity and barrier.
• Pharmacomicrobiome. Micro-organisms activate or inactivate medicines (e.g. digoxin, L-dopa), which helps determine their efficacy.

Co-metabolism is thus the "missing link" between nutrition and lifestyle on the one hand and health outcomes on the other, and explains a large part of the differences between individuals. It is the lens through which My InnerSelfie reads DNA, microbiome and metabolome as one interplay. This reading is supportive and observational — not a medical diagnosis.

Related concepts

Holobiont Microbiome Postbiotics (SCFA)Gut-organ axes Metabolomics Dysbiosis

Where appropriate — support: if your co-metabolism is out of balance (e.g. low SCFA production), targeted nutrition or supplementation can feed the right microbes. Discover the My Key Nutrients range.

Scientific references

• Lee et al. (2024), The human gut microbiome in health and disease.
• Nature, Signal Transduction & Targeted Therapy — review on the microbiota and health.
• Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators — Resolution of Inflammation.
• Emily Leeming, Genius Gut.

Frequently asked questions

What is co-metabolism in short?: The shared metabolism between you and your micro-organisms — processes you carry out together, such as the conversion of fibre into short-chain fatty acids.
Why does healthy eating not work the same for everyone?: Because the outcome partly depends on your microbiome: the same food is converted differently, resulting in different metabolites and effects.
Is co-metabolism scientifically supported?: Yes — the mechanisms are peer-reviewed. The application to the individual is a supportive, observational reading, not a diagnosis.
What is the difference between co-metabolism and ordinary metabolism?: Ordinary metabolism is carried out by your own body; co-metabolism requires the cooperation of host and microbiome, and yields molecules that neither would make alone.