HealthAugust 16, 2026
cresol
KREE-sol
Definition
A type of chemical compound, specifically a phenolic derivative, produced when gut bacteria break down the protective mucus lining of the intestines.
Etymology
Derived from a combination of 'creosote' and the chemical suffix '-ol' for alcohol or phenol. It was first identified in coal tar in the 19th century.
In the news
In the article, the researcher notes that when gut bacteria consume the intestinal mucus lining due to low fiber intake, they produce harmful compounds including p-cresol sulfate. This highlights the negative biological consequences of a fiber-deficient diet.
Scientists warn your gut bacteria could literally start ‘eating you’ if you don’t get enough fibre
Read the full article ↗UNILAD