What are short-chain fatty acids?
The key role that short-chain fatty acids play in maintaining gut health and how a fiber-rich diet promotes their production.
Key Takeaways
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Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the end products of the fermentation of dietary fibers by the colon-centered anaerobic intestinal microbiota. According to the National Institutes of Health, short-chain fatty acids have been shown to exert multiple beneficial effects on mammalian energy metabolism.
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Overview
Propionate, acetate, and butyrate are all short-chain fatty acids. Butyrate is highly regarded because of its functionality. According to the National Institutes of Health, Butyrate exerts multiple effects such as preventing and inhibiting colon cancer, improving intestinal inflammation, and regulating intestinal pain thresholds and motility.
A diet high in fiber can help promote the production of SCFAs and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.