Short-chain fatty acid

Short-chain fatty acid

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), pronounced as /ʃɔːrt tʃeɪn ˈfæti ˈæsɪdz/, are a type of fatty acid that are aliphatic carboxylic acids with a chain length of six or fewer carbon atoms. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin acidus, meaning "sour", and fatty, derived from the Old English fǣtt, meaning "fat, oil".

Definition

Short-chain fatty acids 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. They play an important role in health and disease, contributing to the integrity of the intestinal barrier, regulation of immune response, and the provision of energy for colonic cells.

Types

There are several types of short-chain fatty acids, including:

• Acetic acid (C2)
• Propionic acid (C3)
• Butyric acid (C4)
• Isobutyric acid (C4)
• Valeric acid (C5)
• Isovaleric acid (C5)
• Caproic acid (C6)

Health Benefits

Short-chain fatty acids have been associated with various health benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Cancer prevention
• Blood sugar control
• Weight management
• Heart health

See Also

• Fatty acid
• Carboxylic acid
• Gut microbiota
• Fermentation (biochemistry)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Short-chain fatty acid
• Wikipedia's article - Short-chain fatty acid

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