Short-chain fatty acid-producing gut bacterium (null)

Short-chain fatty acid-producing gut bacteria are a heterogeneous group within the gut microbiota capable of fermenting undigested dietary carbohydrates into SCFAs such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Prominent SCFA producers include members of Firmicutes (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae), Bacteroidetes (e.g., Bacteroides, Parabacteroides), and some Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia (e.g., Akkermansia). SCFA production is essential for gut homeostasis, nourishes colonocytes, modulates immune responses, and protects against inflammation and metabolic disease. Deficiencies in these bacteria or their metabolites have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including IBD, colorectal cancer, and metabolic syndrome. Therapeutic strategies to modulate these bacteria include dietary intervention (prebiotics), targeted probiotic formulations, and synbiotics.

Other names

Short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteriumSCFA-producing bacteriumgut SCFA producerbutyrate-producing bacteriumpropionate-producing bacteriumacetate-producing bacterium

Prebiotics: Increase growth/activity of SCFA producers by providing fermentable substrates Probiotics: Direct supplementation with bacteria capable of SCFA production Synbiotics: Combined enhancement via direct supply and growth stimulation