What are short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and where can we find them?Updated 4 months ago

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small sized fats produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers (or resistant starches) by beneficial bacteria in the colon. The most common SCFAs are acetate, propionate, and butyrate. They serve several IMPORTANT functions taht they serve:

Energy Source: SCFAs are the main energy source for colon cells. If you want a healthy colon, you need SCFAs.

Gut Health: They help maintain the integrity of the gut lining, preventing and repairing gut barrier dysfunction, which some people refer to as leaky gut.

Gut Motility: SCFAs help regulate gut motility, ensuring smooth and regular bowel movements, which helps prevent constipation and supports overall digestive health.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: SCFAs are powerfully anti-inflammatory because they inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote anti-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to a balanced immune response and reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.

Metabolic Health: They can influence metabolism and have been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of obesity.

Regulation of Appetite: SCFAs can influence the release of hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which help regulate appetite and promote a feeling of fullness.

Colon Cancer Prevention: SCFAs, particularly butyrate, have been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in colon cancer cells and promote the health of colonocytes, potentially reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Neurotransmitter Production: SCFAs can influence the production of neurotransmitters. For instance, butyrate has been shown to increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is crucial for the survival and growth of neurons and plays a key role in learning and memory.

Regulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier: SCFAs help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. Butyrate, in particular, has been shown to strengthen the BBB and prevent its permeability.