Hydrogen Sulfide's Impact on Human Gut Microbiota Across Age Groups

Strategic Insights -

New research has revealed that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can be produced in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) through the metabolism of sulfur-containing foods. The study, conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), investigated the effects of H2S on the human gut microbiome across different age groups, including breastfed infants, toddlers, adults, and older adults. The results suggest that H2S has a minor impact on human gut microbiota, with age-dependent effects on the development of the gut microbial community and the production of short-chain fatty-acids (SCFAs).

Key Takeaways:

  • H2S can be produced in the GIT through the metabolism of sulfur-containing foods.
  • The study used a single-dose sodium sulfide preparation (SSP) as a H2S precursor to test its effects on the human gut microbiome across different age groups.
  • Metagenomic sequencing and metabolite measurements revealed age-dependent effects on the development of the gut microbial community and SCFA production.
  • The infant and older adult groups were more sensitive to SSP exposure, and exogenous SSP suppressed SCFA production across all age groups, except for butyrate in the older adult group.
  • H2S selectively favors specific gut microbial processes, with implications for understanding the role of H2S in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
  • The study highlights the importance of controlling H2S production in the GIT to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
  • The research team, led by Linshu Liu, has identified specific age-dependent effects of H2S on the gut microbiome, which could inform strategies for promoting gut health across the lifespan.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 4 age groups: breastfed infants, toddlers, adults, and older adults.
  • The research team used metagenomic sequencing to analyze the gut microbiome and measured metabolites such as SCFAs.
  • The results showed age-dependent effects on the development of the gut microbial community, with significant differences between the infant and older adult groups.
  • The study found that exogenous SSP suppressed SCFA production across all age groups, except for butyrate in the older adult group.
  • The research team used a single-dose sodium sulfide preparation (SSP) as a H2S precursor in the study.

Sources:

  • [Linshu Liu et al., 2025] Hydrogen Sulfide Has a Minor Impact on Human Gut Microbiota Across Age Groups. Sci, 2025,7(3):102. Published by MDPI AG.
  • [NewsRx, 2025] Researchers at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Publish New Data on Science (Hydrogen Sulfide Has a Minor Impact on Human Gut Microbiota Across Age Groups). Science Letter. October 17, 2025; p 2526.