Oxalate Metabolism & the Bacterial Dance

By Mary Ruddick

Optimizing oxalate metabolism is crucial for individuals looking to manage their health effectively. By honing in on certain key microbes and nutrients, it becomes possible to enhance the breakdown and processing of oxalates within the body. These essential nutrients not only directly impact oxalate metabolism but also provide vital support for the overall functioning of the system.

When delving into the specifics, it is important to consider the diverse roles that different subspecies of bacteria can play in this process. Some bacteria are known to produce the necessary nutrients required for efficient oxalate metabolism, while others act as facilitators in the breakdown and elimination of oxalates from the body.

By understanding the intricate interplay between vitamins, minerals, and bacterial subspecies, individuals can tailor their dietary and lifestyle choices to promote optimal oxalate metabolism. This comprehensive approach ensures that the body receives the necessary support to effectively manage oxalate levels and maintain overall well-being.

 Key Vitamins for Oxalate Metabolism

1. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

   - Role: Vitamin B6 is crucial for converting glyoxylate (a precursor to oxalate) into glycine, thereby preventing it from transforming into oxalates.

   - Found In: Chicken, turkey, beef, fish, organ meats (like liver).

   - Digestive Accessibility: Highly bioavailable in animal sources.

B6 producing bacteria:

• Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1

• Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010

• Lactococcus lactis cremoris

• Propionibacterium freudenreichii

• Nissle 1917

2. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

   - Role: Thiamine serves as a coenzyme in the enzymatic pathways that help detoxify oxalates in the liver.

   - Found In: Pork, fish (trout and tuna are ideal), beef, and chicken.

   - Digestive Accessibility: High bioavailability.

Produced By Bacteria:

• Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3

• Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010

• Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris

• Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1

• Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF

• Bifidobacterium longum BB536

3. Vitamin A

   - Role: Helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which can prevent excessive oxalate absorption.

   - Found In: Liver, fish oils, eggs, and dairy products.

   - Digestive Accessibility: Highly bioavailable from animal sources; beta-carotene in plants requires conversion in the body, which varies among individuals and is typically poor in those who are compromised.

Bacteria needed for vitamin A assimilation:

• Bifidobacterium breve BR03: Enhances the gut barrier function, which supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A palmitate.

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103): Promotes gut integrity and mucosal health, aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A palmitate.

• Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1: Contributes to a healthy gut environment that facilitates the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins by supporting the epithelial barrier and reducing inflammation.

• Lactobacillus casei Shirota: Improves gut permeability and enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A palmitate.

• Bifidobacterium longum BB536: Helps maintain a healthy gut environment, supports gut barrier function, and facilitates the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A palmitate.

• Bifidobacterium infantis 35624: Strengthens the gut lining and may help enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A palmitate.

• Akkermansia muciniphila MucT: Supports the gut mucosal layer, contributing indirectly to the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A palmitate.

These subspecies promote gut health by enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier and maintaining a balanced gut environment, which is crucial for the efficient absorption of vitamin A palmitate and other fat-soluble vitamins.

 Key Minerals for Oxalate Metabolism

1. Magnesium Citrate: Binds with oxalates in the gut for removal and supports various enzymatic processes involved in oxalate metabolism.

Bacterial Assimilation of Magnesium:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103)

• Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1

• Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010

• Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04

• Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14

• Lactobacillus casei Shirota

2. Calcium

   - Role: Binds with oxalates in the intestines, excretes oxalates in the stool, and prevents oxalate absorption into the bloodstream.

   - Found In: Dairy products (calcium from plants is counterproductive).

Bacterial Assimilation of Calcium:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103)

• Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1

• Lactobacillus casei Shirota

• Bifidobacterium longum BB536

• Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04

• Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14

• Bifidobacterium bifidum PRL2010

3. Potassium

   - Role: Potassium citrate can prevent calcium oxalate crystal formation by reducing urine acidity and decreasing oxalate absorption in the gut.

   - Found In: Thymus gland, pork loin, salmon, chicken breast, and turkey.

   - Digestive Accessibility: Generally bioavailable, particularly from fruits and vegetables.

   - Produced By Bacteria:

Bacterial Assimilation of Potassium:

• Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938

• Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1

• Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103)

• Bifidobacterium breve BR03

• Lactobacillus casei Shirota

 Additional Compounds and Supporting Bacteria

Citrate: Found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, citrate binds to calcium in urine, reducing the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation by keeping calcium in solution. Citrus is best used in those who are on carnivore.

Probiotics that Aid Oxalate Degradation:

  - Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1: Directly degrades oxalates in the gut and utilizes them as a carbon source, which can reduce oxalate levels.

  - Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14: Though less specialized, it still degrades oxalates and makes the gut environment less favorable for their absorption.

  - Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04: Helps manage oxalate levels by fermenting carbohydrates and producing SCFAs, which lower intestinal pH and enhance oxalate excretion.

  - Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF: Can degrade oxalates in low-nutrient environments, like during fasting, providing a valuable role in oxalate metabolism.

To manage oxalates effectively, one requires certain bacterial subspecies within one's microbiome. One also requires specific subspecies for proper oxalate metabolism and degradation.

Optimize your bacteria. Optimize your life.

Citations:

1. "Oxalate Metabolism in Humans: Biochemical and Clinical Implications" - American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

   - This comprehensive review covers the biochemical pathways involved in oxalate metabolism, the role of key vitamins and minerals, and the impact of diet and microbiota on oxalate handling.

   - [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition](https://academic.oup.com/ajcn)

2. "The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Oxalate Metabolism" - Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

   - Explores the functions of vitamins B6, B1, and A, as well as minerals like magnesium and calcium, in the prevention of oxalate accumulation and stone formation.

   - [Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism](https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/)

3. "Gut Microbiota and Its Role in Oxalate Metabolism: The Influence of Probiotics" - Frontiers in Microbiology

   - Discusses the role of various gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, in degrading oxalates and their interactions with nutrients essential for oxalate metabolism.

   - [Frontiers in Microbiology](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology)

4. "Magnesium and Calcium in the Management of Oxalate Metabolism" - Journal of Urology

   - Reviews the impact of magnesium and calcium on oxalate metabolism, focusing on their binding properties and role in preventing oxalate absorption in the gut.

   - [Journal of Urology](https://www.jurology.com/)

5. "Vitamins B6 and Thiamine: Their Impact on Oxalate Metabolism and Kidney Health" - Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation

   - Examines the critical roles of vitamins B6 and B1 (thiamine) in enzymatic pathways that prevent oxalate accumulation and support kidney health.

   - [Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation](https://academic.oup.com/ndt)

6. "Dietary and Microbial Interactions in Oxalate Metabolism" - Advances in Nutrition

   - Provides an in-depth analysis of how diet, including specific vitamins and minerals, and gut microbial populations interact to influence oxalate metabolism and excretion.

   - [Advances in Nutrition](https://academic.oup.com/advances)

7. "Role of Probiotics in the Degradation of Oxalates and Prevention of Kidney Stones" - World Journal of Gastroenterology

   - Focuses on how probiotic bacteria, including specific subspecies like Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium lactis, can degrade oxalates and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

   - [World Journal of Gastroenterology](https://www.wjgnet.com/)

8. "Vitamin A and Its Importance in Gut Health and Oxalate Absorption" - Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology

   - Discusses the role of vitamin A in maintaining gut integrity, which can affect oxalate absorption and overall metabolism.

   - [Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology](https://journals.lww.com/jcge)

9. "Oxalate Degradation by Specific Microbial Subspecies: A Microbial Ecology Perspective" - Applied and Environmental Microbiology

   - Provides a detailed look at the specific bacterial subspecies involved in oxalate degradation, including Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04, and Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF.

   - [Applied and Environmental Microbiology](https://aem.asm.org/)

10. "Nutrient Absorption and Microbial Activity: Understanding the Gut-Kidney Axis in Oxalate Metabolism" - Nature Reviews Nephrology

    - Explores the complex interactions between nutrient absorption, microbial activity in the gut, and kidney function related to oxalate metabolism.

    - [Nature Reviews Nephrology](https://www.nature.com/nrneph/)