In PREDICT, we discovered positive health associations for 15 ‘good bugs’.

These bacteria are associated with strong metabolism, lower blood pressure, and better blood sugar control. People with these bacteria tend to have fewer signs of dietary inflammation, lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and less abdominal fat mass. These bacteria are also associated with better fat sources which are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-6.

We also identified 15 ‘bad bugs’, for which we saw the opposite effects.

These bacteria are associated with a higher risk of dietary inflammation, higher blood pressure, and poorer glycemic responses. For people with these bacteria, we see more dietary inflammation, higher levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and greater abdominal fat mass. These bacteria are also associated with poorer fat sources which are low in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and 6.