Ask the Dietitian: What are Short-Chain Fatty Acids?

Ask the Dietitian: What are Short-Chain Fatty Acids?

In our gut, we have over 100 trillion thriving microbes, which include bacteria and other microorganisms. Referred to as the gut microbiota, the microbial community living in our gut performs many functions that affect overall health. 

One of the most important functions of the gut microbiota is its ability to ferment the fiber from foods we eat and produce short-chain fatty acids. Examples of short-chain fatty acids are acetate, propionate and butyrate. Short-chain fatty acids provide energy to gut cells, inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, in addition to other anti-inflammatory and health-promoting activities. 

In order for the gut microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids, we need to consume fiber. Fiber is found in plant foods such as vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, fruit, nuts and seeds. Research has shown that people who eat a variety of plant foods every day, such as those following a Mediterranean Diet, have more short-chain fatty acids in their guts. 

What we eat impacts gut health. Learn more about the importance of eating fiber and improving gut health through food choices.

Reference
​​Ercolini D and Fogliano V. Food Design To Feed the Human Gut Microbiota. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2018;66:3754-3758.