The Effect of Probiotics on the Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids by Human Intestinal Microbiome

Abstract

The relationship between diet and the diversity and function of the intestinal microbiome and its importance for human health is currently the subject of many studies. The type and proportion of microorganisms found in the intestines can determine the energy balance of the host. Intestinal microorganisms perform many important functions, one of which is participation in metabolic processes, e.g., in the production of short-chain fatty acids—SCFAs (also called volatile fatty acids). These acids represent the main carbon flow from the diet to the host microbiome. Maintaining intestinal balance is necessary to maintain the host’s normal health and prevent many diseases. The results of many studies confirm the beneficial effect of probiotic microorganisms on the balance of the intestinal microbiome and produced metabolites, including SCFAs. The aim of this review is to summarize what is known on the effects of probiotics on the production of short-chain fatty acids by gut microbes. In addition, the mechanism of formation and properties of these metabolites is discussed and verified test results confirming the effectiveness of probiotics in human nutrition by modulating SCFAs production by intestinal microbiome is presented.

Probiotics Ameliorate Colon Epithelial Injury Induced by Ambient Ultrafine Particles Exposure

“…We hypothesize that an increased abundance of Lactobacillus may serve to protect the colonic epithelium during the early period of exposure to DEPs. Lactobacillus is one of the commonly used probiotics in commercial products . Probiotics are increasingly used to prevent or treat a variety of intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acute infectious diarrhea, and antibiotic‐associated diarrhea .…”

Development of a RecE/T‐Assisted CRISPR–Cas9 Toolbox for Lactobacillus

“…[1,2] Furthermore, recent studies reveal that microbiota, such as gut microbiota, in which Lactobacilli reside as a major population, and their interaction with their host, are extensively involved in host development, health, disease genesis, and even behavior. [3][4][5][6] These studies uncover and highlight the significance of Lactobacilli in the promotion of human health. Understanding the genetic basis of their functional attributes and interactions with their host will shed light on this promising field, and, eventually, enable the practical application of health-benefiting Lactobacillus in the treatment of disease and improvement of human health.…”

“…They are widely used for the treatment of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease . Furthermore, recent studies reveal that microbiota, such as gut microbiota, in which Lactobacilli reside as a major population, and their interaction with their host, are extensively involved in host development, health, disease genesis, and even behavior . These studies uncover and highlight the significance of Lactobacilli in the promotion of human health.…”

The Role of Probiotics in Cancer Prevention

“…The role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in regulation of gut and systemic immunity[99,100]. SCFAs are produced by intestinal microbiome in the fermentation of nondigestible carbohydrates (NDCs), undigested food fiber, or resistant starch (RS).…”