Short-chain fatty acids, prebiotics, synbiotics, and systemic inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Prebiotic soluble fibers are fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are proposed to have systemic anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: This review examines the effect of SCFAs, prebiotics, and pre-and probiotic combinations (synbiotics) on systemic inflammation. Design: Relevant English language studies from 1947 to May 2017 were identified with the use of online databases. Studies were considered eligible if they examined the effects of SCFAs, prebiotics, or synbiotics; were delivered orally, intravenously, or per rectum; were on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in humans; and performed meta-analysis where possible. Results: Sixty-eight studies were included. Fourteen of 29 prebiotic studies and 13 of 26 synbiotic studies reported a significant decrease in $1 marker of systemic inflammation. Eight studies compared prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation, 2 of which reported a decrease in inflammation with synbiotics only, with 1 reporting a greater anti-inflammatory effect with synbiotics than with prebiotics alone. Meta-analyses indicated that prebiotics reduce C-reactive protein ( Conclusions: There is significant heterogeneity of outcomes in studies examining the effect of prebiotics and synbiotics on systemic inflammation. Approximately 50% of included studies reported a decrease in $1 inflammatory biomarker. The inconsistency in reported outcomes may be due to heterogeneity in study design, supplement formulation, dosage, duration, and subject population. Nonetheless, meta-analyses provide evidence to support the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation.Am J Clin Nutr 2017;106:930-45.

Opportunistic bacteria confer the ability to ferment prebiotic starch in the adult cystic fibrosis gut

“…A failure to assess microbial capacity prior to supplementation potentially contributes to inter-subject differences in prebiotic response. 36 Prebiotic approaches also typically fail to consider the potential to cause detrimental changes in individuals in whom the gut microbiota is already substantially disrupted, such as the selective promotion of potentially pathogenic taxa.…”

Effects of the prebiotic mannan oligosaccharide on the experimental periodontitis in rats

“…In this context, prebiotics have been used to stimulate the development of specific probiotics ( Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus ) of the intestine, known for their great ability to produce lactic and acetic acids (Mathew, Robbins, Chattin, & Quigley, ; McLoughlin, Berthon, Jensen, Baines, & Wood, ). The increased production of these acids suppresses the activity of putrefactive bacteria and reduces the formation of toxic products of the fermentation, such as ammonia, amines and nitrosamines (Flickinger, Van Loo, & Fahey, ).…”

“…In addition, fermentation in the large intestine increases the production of short chain fatty acids and reduces the pH of the digestion. These actions are responsible for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (Juskiewicz, Zduńczyk, & Jankowski, ; McLoughlin et al., ). The low pH reduces the ability of enteric pathogens to colonize the intestine, including Escherichia coli and salmonella, while favouring the growth of resident bacteria, such as lactobacilli (McLoughlin et al., ).…”

Diet Affects the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Health

“…Prebiotics are defined as a "substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit." 65 Recent reviews 2 and meta-analyses on prebiotics 66,67 and SCFA 68 have expanded our understanding of the role of these fermentable substrates on human health.…”