Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production and Functional Aspects on Host Metabolism

Functional Attributes and Health Benefits of Novel Prebiotic Oligosaccharides Derived from Xylan, Arabinan, and Mannan

“…Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can be absorbed from the small intestine, or from the colon if produced as metabolites of bacterial fermentation. It is estimated that >90% of the SCFAs produced in the colon are absorbed, where they can influence, e.g., hepatic regulation of glucose and lipids, and hormones that regulate satiety [3].…”

“…calcium, and limit growth of yeasts, potentially pathogenic bacteria, and microbes responsible for protein fermentation [3]. The extent of such a pH reduction in vivo is difficult to establish, however, given that greater than 90% of SCFAs are typically absorbed, and as little as 5% may be excreted [33].…”

“…The impacts of prebiotics on SCFA levels are easier to detect via in vitro cultures, particularly monocultures, and in gut simulators that contain mixed microbial communities that enable cross-feeding, such as acetate production via one class of microbes, and acetate conversion into butyrate by, e.g., E. rectale, F. prausnitzii, or Roseburia spp. [3].…”

“…SCFAs provide energy for colonocytes, and, after absorption into the portal vein, are metabolized by the liver, modulating cholesterol synthesis, maintaining glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues, and producing long chain fatty acids. SCFAs can act on leukocytes that modulate immune responses, beneficially impact hormones that influence satiety, and influence neural signals that modulate appetite and food intake via the gut-brain axis [3]. Acetate can influence hormones responsible for cholesterol production, and may be transported to the muscle and the brain; acetate may thus contribute to effects attributed to the "Gut-Brain Axis".…”

“…Propionate can play a role in hepatic regulation of glucose and synthesis of cholesterol, while butyrate can promote growth of protective colonocytes via colonic epithelial cells. Consequently, microbes fed directly or indirectly by prebiotics can influence health via SCFAs that act either locally within the digestive tract, or distally, mainly via the liver, and to a lesser extent, in the muscle, kidney, heart, and brain [3].…”