SOURCES:

Soil, rocks, vegetation, water, contrast agent for PET scans, atomic clocks, photoelectric cells, magnetometers, GPS systems, fireworks.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Rubidium resembles potassium, and these two elements are metabolically interchangeable.

PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS:

Rb is rapidly and completely absorbed by the GI tract when ingested and is excreted mainly through the kidneys. Urinary excretion is consistent with a 50-day half-life. Physiologically, rubidium most resembles potassium, and these two elements are metabolically interchangeable. In the myocardium it is an active participant in the NA/K pump. Rubidium and lithium are often studied for CNS dysfunctions including mania and depression, and may work through the NMDA/nitrergic pathways.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Rb chloride was used historically to treat cardiac issues, syphilis, epilepsy and more recently has been studied for depression. Excess rubidium chloride was associated with weight gain, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, polyuria, confusion, excitement/agitation and dermatitis. In rats, rubidium chloride administration led to hypokalemia.

Rubidium is a relatively benign element that typically parallels the potassium level. It varies according to levels found in water supplies. 

Rubidium is a relatively benign element that typically parallels the potassium level. It varies according to levels found in water supplies. 

Members of Ruminococcus sensu produce acetate, but not butyrate. Ruminococcus gnavus, like Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin degrading specialist.

HIGHER LEVELS:

- Higher levels of Ruminococcus spp. were associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

- Increased abundance of Ruminococcus spp. has been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

- Ruminococcus gnavus has been found to be in higher abundance in diarrhea predominant IBS.

- Intake of resistant starch has been associated with increased levels of R. bromii.

LOWER LEVELS:

- Reduced levels of R. bromii were observed in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

- Ruminococcus spp. are reportedly decreased in abundance with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

- A diet rich in animal protein and fat was found to reduce the abundance of this species in human gut.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Members of Ruminococcus sensu produce acetate, but not butyrate.

Ruminococcus gnavus, like Akkermanisia muciniphila is a mucin degrading specialist. 

Ruminococcus obeum, identified in a gut microbiome test, is a bacterium of considerable interest due to its role in the complex ecosystem of the human gut. As a member of the Ruminococcaceae family, it is part of a group of bacteria that are key players in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and fibers, contributing significantly to the fermentative processes in the gut. This fermentative activity is crucial for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, which are vital for maintaining colon health, regulating the immune system, and ensuring the integrity of the gut barrier.

The Ruminococcus bacteria in our gut microbiomes play a major role in helping us digest resistant starches - the complex carbohydrates found in high fiber foods such as lentils, beans, and unprocessed whole grains.

The Rye marker measures IgG antibodies to proteins found in rye. Results are reported as none detected, very low, low, moderate, or high. These levels reflect immune exposure and recognition rather than a diagnosis of celiac disease or rye allergy. Interpretation should consider gluten intake, digestive symptoms, and appropriate medical evaluation when necessary.

The presence of antibodies to Rye is an indication of food immune reactivity. The offending food and its known cross-reactive foods should be eliminated from the diet. The antigenic properties of Rye produce inflammatory injury in the absorptive surface of the small intestine. Thus, it is associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Special consideration for patients who work in the baking industry must be taken, as flour hypersensitivity and baker’s asthma associated with Rye have been reported. Due to the cross-reactive nature of Rye and w-gliadin, patients who test positive should be educated on exercise-induced anaphylaxis triggered by w-gliadin.