Are Short Chain Fatty Acids The Gut-Microbiome Superhero?
September 29, 2024
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small molecules produced following the breakdown of dietary fibre by bacteria in the gut microbiome. The most abundant SCFAs in the body include acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These small molecules certainly do not go unrecognized; they pack a punch despite their size. SCFAs play a role in maintaining gut health and protection against disease. They help regulate several important metabolic pathways and are involved in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.