REVIEW PAPER
Short-chain fatty acids and their impact on human health – a review
1
5th year student, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
6th year student, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
3
Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2024;30(3):181-185
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are substances that are naturally produced and metabolised in the human body. They exert many beneficial effects on the system and could help treat many diseases. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on SCFA, analysing their production, mechanism of action and potential use in medicine.
Review methods:
The review is based on an analysis of literature available in the PubMed database using the key words: ‹short-chain fatty acids, ‹gut microbiome›, ‹butyrate›.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Short-chain fatty acids are common substances produced by commensal bacteria residing in the large intestine. Three major SCFA are: butyrate, propionate and acetate, products of bacterial metabolism of dietary fibre that naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract. SCFA have anti-inflammatory properties, modulate the gut microbiota and the immune system, help maintain the health of the gut, including the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Many attempts have been made to incorporate SCFA into the treatment of various diseases, and few adverse effects have been documented. The studies primarily focused on diet interventions with dietary fiber, probiotics and fermented foods containing SCFA. Promising results have been observed regarding, inter alia, the therapy of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Summary:
Short-chain fatty acids are vital for the mainteance of human health. Their unique bioactivity, natural occurrence and safety could potentially lead to their wider application in medicine.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are substances that are naturally produced and metabolised in the human body. They exert many beneficial effects on the system and could help treat many diseases. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on SCFA, analysing their production, mechanism of action and potential use in medicine.
Review methods:
The review is based on an analysis of literature available in the PubMed database using the key words: ‹short-chain fatty acids, ‹gut microbiome›, ‹butyrate›.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Short-chain fatty acids are common substances produced by commensal bacteria residing in the large intestine. Three major SCFA are: butyrate, propionate and acetate, products of bacterial metabolism of dietary fibre that naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract. SCFA have anti-inflammatory properties, modulate the gut microbiota and the immune system, help maintain the health of the gut, including the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Many attempts have been made to incorporate SCFA into the treatment of various diseases, and few adverse effects have been documented. The studies primarily focused on diet interventions with dietary fiber, probiotics and fermented foods containing SCFA. Promising results have been observed regarding, inter alia, the therapy of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Summary:
Short-chain fatty acids are vital for the mainteance of human health. Their unique bioactivity, natural occurrence and safety could potentially lead to their wider application in medicine.
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