Short-chain fatty acid

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are fatty acids with fewer than six carbon atoms. They are produced when the friendly gut bacteria ferment fiber in your colon, and are the main source of energy for the cells lining your colon.

Production

SCFAs are produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibers in the human colon. The major SCFAs in humans are acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. These three acids represent 95% of the SCFAs present in the colon. They are produced in the largest amounts in the proximal colon and decrease along the length of the colon.

Functions

SCFAs play a major role in the health of the human body. They are the main energy source for the cells in the colon, help maintain the health and integrity of the intestinal wall, and have anti-inflammatory properties. They also play a role in appetite regulation and may have various other health benefits.

Health Benefits

SCFAs have been linked to many health benefits. They may help reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other conditions. Some of these benefits are due to their role in gut health and inflammation, while others are related to their effects on metabolism.

See Also

• Fatty acid
• Dietary fiber
• Gut flora
• Inflammation
• Metabolism

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