Production of short-chain fatty acids by microbiota

The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by microbiota refers to the biochemical process by which gut bacteria metabolize non-digestible dietary fibers and resistant starches into SCFAs, mainly acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs serve fundamental roles in maintaining intestinal health, modulating the immune system, supporting colonocyte energy requirements, and facilitating interactions along the gut-brain axis. The predominant SCFA-producing bacterial taxa include *Bifidobacterium*, *Lactobacillus*, *Roseburia*, *Faecalibacterium prausnitzii*, and members of the *Lachnospiraceae* and *Ruminococcaceae* families. Changes in dietary fiber, microbiota composition, and life stage can impact SCFA production, which, in turn, is linked to multiple disease states. Therapeutic approaches to boost SCFA levels include dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, and in some cases, fecal microbiota transplantation.

Other names

Production of SCFAs by gut microbiotamicrobial SCFA biosynthesisSCFA production by intestinal bacteria