Study finds specialized bacterial cells found in the gut produce steroid hormones

The human gut is home to trillions of bacteria, many of which play an important role in helping the body strike a healthy balance. In the gut, bacteria are involved in the synthesis of vitamins, as well as metabolizing bile acids, cholesterol and other chemicals found in the body that are not typically produced by the body. Bacteria in the gut also can produce a plethora of new hormones.