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How to Increase Butyrate & SCFAs in Your Gut Naturally: Complete Guide to Short-Chain Fatty Acids

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BioPhysics Essentials guide to increasing butyrate and SCFAs naturally, featuring microscopic visualization of beneficial gut bacteria and molecular structures

Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Butyrate: The Complete Guide to Boosting Your Gut's Most Powerful Metabolites

How to increase SCFA production naturally through diet, prebiotics, and targeted probiotic strains

Your gut bacteria produce hundreds of compounds that influence everything from digestion to immunity to brain function. Among these, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) stand out as perhaps the most important—and butyrate, the most researched SCFA, may be the single most critical molecule for maintaining a healthy gut lining.

SCFAs are produced when beneficial gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber in your large intestine. This process generates approximately 500-600 millimoles of SCFAs daily, depending on fiber intake.[1] These metabolites do far more than simply provide energy—they regulate inflammation, strengthen your intestinal barrier, influence metabolism, and even communicate with your brain through the gut-brain axis.

The challenge is that modern diets, antibiotic use, and lifestyle factors often disrupt the bacterial populations responsible for SCFA production. This guide explains exactly what SCFAs are, why butyrate matters so much for gut health, and evidence-based strategies—including specific probiotic strains and prebiotics—that can help increase your gut's SCFA production naturally.

Key Takeaways

  • Short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) are produced by gut bacteria fermenting dietary fiber, with a typical ratio of approximately 60:20:20 in the colon.[1]
  • Butyrate is the primary energy source for colonocytes, providing up to 70% of the energy needs of cells lining the large intestine and playing essential roles in gut barrier integrity.[2]
  • SCFAs regulate inflammation through multiple mechanisms, including activating G-protein coupled receptors (GPR41, GPR43, GPR109a) and inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs).[3]
  • Cross-feeding between probiotic bacteria enables butyrate production—Bifidobacterium species produce acetate that butyrate-producing bacteria convert to butyrate.[4]
  • Prebiotic fibers like inulin from Jerusalem artichoke significantly increase SCFA production, particularly butyrate, when fermented by gut bacteria.[5]
  • Multi-strain probiotics show superior SCFA-boosting effects compared to single strains due to synergistic cross-feeding interactions.[6]

What Are Short-Chain Fatty Acids?

Short-chain fatty acids are organic acids containing fewer than six carbon atoms, produced primarily through bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the colon. The three principal SCFAs are acetate (C2), propionate (C3), and butyrate (C4), which together account for over 95% of total SCFA production in the human gut.[1]

These molecules arise when beneficial gut bacteria break down complex carbohydrates that human digestive enzymes cannot process—primarily dietary fiber, resistant starch, and certain oligosaccharides. The fermentation occurs predominantly in the proximal colon, where bacterial density is highest and substrate availability is greatest.

The Three Major SCFAs

SCFA Carbon Atoms Typical Ratio Primary Functions
Acetate 2 ~60% Substrate for cholesterol synthesis, energy source for peripheral tissues, substrate for butyrate production
Propionate 3 ~20% Gluconeogenesis in liver, cholesterol synthesis regulation, satiety signaling
Butyrate 4 ~20% Primary colonocyte fuel, gut barrier maintenance, anti-inflammatory effects, gene expression regulation

Infographic showing the three main short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) with their molecular structures and typical production ratios of 60%, 20%, and 20% respectively.

The relative proportions of these SCFAs vary depending on the types of fiber consumed, the composition of your gut microbiota, and transit time through the colon. A systematic review in Life noted that the specific microorganisms engaged in fermentation and the dietary fibers reaching the gut are key determinants of SCFA production patterns.[7]

How SCFAs Signal Throughout Your Body

SCFAs exert their effects through two primary mechanisms. First, they activate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)—specifically GPR41 (FFAR3), GPR43 (FFAR2), and GPR109a—which trigger signaling cascades affecting metabolism, inflammation, and immune function. Second, butyrate and propionate inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), directly influencing gene expression in ways that reduce inflammation and promote cellular health.[3]

Why Butyrate Is the Star Player in Gut Health

While all SCFAs contribute to health, butyrate occupies a uniquely important position in gut physiology. Unlike acetate and propionate, which largely enter systemic circulation, butyrate is preferentially consumed by colonocytes—the epithelial cells lining your large intestine. This makes butyrate the primary fuel source for maintaining the gut barrier that separates your intestinal contents from the rest of your body.

Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology describes butyrate-producing bacteria as "the sentinel of the gut" due to their critical role in maintaining intestinal health.[2] Colonocytes derive up to 70% of their energy from butyrate oxidation, making adequate butyrate availability essential for cellular function and renewal.

Butyrate's Key Functions

Gut barrier integrity: Butyrate strengthens tight junctions between epithelial cells, preventing the passage of harmful substances from the gut lumen into the bloodstream. This "leaky gut" prevention is fundamental to avoiding systemic inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory action: Through HDAC inhibition, butyrate suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting regulatory T cell differentiation. A 2024 systematic review confirmed that butyrate plays a critical role in regulating intestinal inflammation and can be strategically used to increase SCFA-producing bacteria for therapeutic benefit.[8]

Colonocyte health: Butyrate supports the cellular processes that maintain a healthy gut lining, including promoting appropriate cell turnover and supporting the mucus layer that protects epithelial surfaces.

Metabolic regulation: Emerging research links adequate butyrate production to improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. A systematic review and meta-analysis found substantial evidence associating reduced SCFAs with obesity and type 2 diabetes.[9]

Cross-sectional diagram of the intestinal wall showing how butyrate supports colonocyte energy production, tight junction integrity, mucus layer maintenance, and anti-inflammatory signaling.

Supporting Butyrate Production Naturally

Because butyrate-producing bacteria often cannot directly ferment prebiotic fibers, they rely on other bacteria to provide substrates like acetate. This is why multi-strain formulations that include both acetate-producing Bifidobacterium species and lactobacilli that release fermentable substrates can be more effective than single-strain approaches. MicroBiome Restore includes five Bifidobacterium species alongside multiple Lactobacillus strains specifically to support this cross-feeding ecosystem.

Health Benefits of SCFAs and Butyrate

Human body diagram showing where short-chain fatty acids exert health effects: gut-brain axis communication in the brain, barrier function and energy in the intestines, metabolic regulation in the liver, and immune modulation throughout the body.

The health implications of adequate SCFA production extend far beyond digestive function. Research continues to reveal connections between these bacterial metabolites and systemic health outcomes. In fact, SCFA production is one of four key pathways through which specific probiotic strains have been shown to reduce visceral fat in clinical trials — see which strains leverage this mechanism in our guide to the best probiotics for belly fat.

Digestive Health and Gut Barrier Function

SCFAs maintain the acidic environment of the colon that inhibits pathogenic bacterial growth while supporting beneficial species. They also stimulate mucus production, which provides an additional protective layer for epithelial cells. For individuals experiencing bloating and digestive discomfort, supporting SCFA production may help restore normal gut function.

Immune System Regulation

The gut houses approximately 70% of the body's immune cells, and SCFAs play a central role in immune education and regulation. A 2024 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences detailed how SCFAs regulate both innate and adaptive immunity, influencing T-cell polarization and macrophage function.[3] Butyrate specifically promotes the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which help prevent excessive inflammatory responses.

Metabolic Health

Propionate influences gluconeogenesis in the liver, while acetate and butyrate affect lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Clinical studies have explored SCFA interventions for metabolic conditions, with a systematic review confirming associations between increased SCFAs and improvements in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance markers.[9]

Gut-Brain Axis Communication

SCFAs can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence neurological function directly. They also signal through the vagus nerve and modulate the production of neurotransmitter precursors. Research has linked SCFA production to stress resilience, sleep quality, and cognitive function, highlighting the importance of gut health for mental wellbeing.

SCFA Deficiency: Warning Signs

Low SCFA production may manifest as chronic digestive issues, increased susceptibility to infections, difficulty maintaining healthy weight, and persistent low-grade inflammation. Conditions associated with reduced SCFA levels include inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal concerns, metabolic syndrome, and certain neurological conditions. If you're experiencing symptoms of gut imbalance, understanding Bifidobacterium deficiency may provide additional insight, as these bacteria are primary acetate producers.

Ready to Support Your Gut's SCFA Production?

MicroBiome Restore combines 26 probiotic strains—including key acetate-producing Bifidobacterium species and SCFA-supporting Lactobacillus strains—with organic prebiotics like Jerusalem artichoke and acacia gum that fuel bacterial fermentation.

Learn More About MicroBiome Restore →

How Your Gut Produces SCFAs: The Fermentation Process

Understanding how SCFAs are produced reveals why certain dietary and supplementation strategies work better than others. The process involves complex interactions between different bacterial species, dietary substrates, and your gut environment.

The Fermentation Pathway

When undigested carbohydrates reach the colon, anaerobic bacteria break them down through fermentation. Different bacterial groups specialize in different steps of this process:

Primary degraders break down complex fibers into simpler sugars and oligosaccharides. These include many Bifidobacterium species and certain Bacteroides.

Acetate and lactate producers ferment these simpler sugars, releasing organic acids as byproducts. Bifidobacteria produce acetate and lactate through their characteristic "bifid shunt" metabolic pathway.[4]

Secondary fermenters convert these intermediate products into other SCFAs. Crucially, many butyrate-producing bacteria cannot directly ferment complex fibers—they depend on acetate and lactate from other bacteria as substrates for butyrate synthesis.

The Importance of Bacterial Diversity

This multi-step process explains why gut microbiome diversity matters so much for SCFA production. A gut dominated by a few species may excel at one step but lack the bacteria needed for others. Research shows that multi-strain probiotic preparations increase SCFA production more effectively than single strains because they support multiple stages of the fermentation cascade.[6]

Why Butyrate Isn't Produced Directly by Most Probiotics

A common misconception is that probiotic supplements should contain butyrate-producing bacteria directly. In reality, the primary butyrate producers in the human gut—species like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and various Roseburia species—are strict anaerobes that cannot survive in supplement form or transit through the stomach. Instead, effective probiotic strategies focus on providing acetate-producing bacteria and prebiotic substrates that support endogenous butyrate producers already present in your gut.[4]

Probiotic Strains That Boost SCFA Production

Not all probiotic strains contribute equally to SCFA production. Research has identified specific species and strains that either produce SCFAs directly or support the bacteria that do.

Bifidobacterium Species: The Acetate Producers

Bifidobacteria are perhaps the most important genus for supporting SCFA production because they produce substantial amounts of acetate—the essential substrate for butyrate synthesis by other bacteria. Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology confirmed that Bifidobacterium species produce acetate and lactate during carbohydrate fermentation, which can then be converted into butyrate through cross-feeding interactions.[4]

Bifidobacterium longum has been extensively studied for cross-feeding. Research demonstrated that B. longum BB536 releases fructose and produces acetate during prebiotic fermentation, enabling butyrate production by acetate-converting bacteria that cannot degrade the prebiotics themselves.[10]

Bifidobacterium lactis contributes to the acetate pool and supports the broader fermentation ecosystem. Its ability to survive gastrointestinal transit makes it particularly valuable in probiotic formulations.

Bifidobacterium infantis has shown specific cross-feeding interactions with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, where B. infantis produces acetate that F. prausnitzii converts to butyrate.[11]

Lactobacillus Species: Direct and Indirect Contributors

Lactobacillus plantarum stands out for its ability to increase butyrate-producing bacteria in the gut. A clinical trial found that L. plantarum CCFM8610 significantly increased the relative abundance of butyric acid-producing genera including Anaerostipes, Anaerotruncus, and Butyricimonas.[12] Additional research showed that L. plantarum treatment increased abundance of butyrate producers Anaerotruncus and Faecalibacterium, with positive correlations to fecal butyric and acetic acid concentrations.[13]

Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus participate in cross-feeding interactions that support butyrate production. Research on lactate-based cross-feeding showed that when L. paracasei and B. longum ferment inulin simultaneously, the acetate produced by Bifidobacterium enables complete conversion of Lactobacillus-produced lactate into butyrate by secondary fermenters.[14]

Lactobacillus acidophilus releases free fructose during oligofructose degradation, providing substrate for bacteria that cannot directly ferment these prebiotics. This mechanism exemplifies how certain strains support SCFA production indirectly.[14]

Strain Primary Contribution to SCFA Production Research Findings
Bifidobacterium longum Acetate production, substrate release Enables butyrate production through cross-feeding[10]
Bifidobacterium infantis Acetate production Cross-feeds with F. prausnitzii for butyrate[11]
Lactobacillus plantarum Increases butyrate producers Raises Anaerostipes, Faecalibacterium abundance[12]
Lactobacillus paracasei Lactate production, substrate release Supports lactate-to-butyrate conversion[14]
Lactobacillus acidophilus Fructose release during fermentation Provides substrate for secondary fermenters[14]

Comparison chart showing Bifidobacterium species (B. longum, B. lactis, B. infantis) as acetate producers and Lactobacillus species (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus) as supporters of butyrate-producing bacteria

The Power of Cross-Feeding: Why Multi-Strain Probiotics Work Better

Flow chart showing how dietary fiber is fermented by Bifidobacterium to produce acetate and fructose, which are then used by butyrate-producing bacteria like Roseburia and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii to create butyrate.

Cross-feeding refers to metabolic interactions where one bacterial species produces compounds that another species uses as food. This phenomenon is central to understanding why diverse gut microbiomes produce more SCFAs—and why multi-strain probiotic formulations often outperform single-strain products.

How Cross-Feeding Works

A landmark study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology identified two distinct types of cross-feeding between Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and butyrate-producing bacteria growing on prebiotic substrates.[10]

Type 1: Substrate sharing. When Bifidobacterium breaks down complex prebiotics, it releases simpler sugars (like free fructose) that other bacteria can use. Bacteria like Anaerostipes caccae, which cannot degrade prebiotics directly, can grow on these released sugars.

Type 2: Acetate provision. Butyrate producers like Roseburia intestinalis can ferment prebiotics, but only when acetate is present in the environment. Bifidobacteria supply this essential acetate, enabling butyrate synthesis that would otherwise not occur.

Research on Multi-Strain Synergy

A study in Scientific Reports examined a human-origin probiotic cocktail containing Lactobacillus and Enterococcus strains. The researchers found that multi-strain preparations increased both propionate and butyrate production, with even single-dose administration modulating the microbiome and increasing SCFA output. Five-day treatment significantly increased microbiome diversity alongside SCFA production.[6]

The research on cross-feeding explains why approaches combining Bifidobacterium species (acetate producers), Lactobacillus species (lactate producers and substrate releasers), and prebiotics (fermentation fuel) create synergistic effects that single-strain approaches cannot match.

Designed for Cross-Feeding

MicroBiome Restore was formulated with cross-feeding in mind. The combination of five Bifidobacterium species (B. bifidum, B. breve, B. infantis, B. lactis, and B. longum) provides robust acetate production. Multiple Lactobacillus strains contribute lactate and release fermentable substrates. And organic prebiotics including Jerusalem artichoke and acacia gum provide the raw materials for fermentation. This multi-pronged approach supports the entire SCFA production ecosystem rather than just one part of it.

Prebiotic Strategies to Increase Butyrate Production

Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively feed beneficial bacteria. For SCFA production, certain prebiotics have demonstrated particularly strong effects on butyrate levels.

Jerusalem Artichoke (Inulin)

Jerusalem artichoke contains 10-22% inulin by fresh weight—the highest concentration of any vegetable. This inulin serves as an exceptional substrate for bacterial fermentation.

Research published in Nutrients found that Jerusalem artichoke consumption significantly increased propionic and butyric acid levels compared to control groups. The study demonstrated that the combination of water-soluble and organic extracts from Jerusalem artichoke decreased cecal pH and increased SCFA concentrations while shifting gut microbiota composition toward beneficial species.[5]

A clinical study in children with obesity found that inulin supplementation from Thai Jerusalem artichoke enhanced Bifidobacterium populations and increased several butyrate-producing bacteria including Agathobacter, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, and Subdoligranulum.[15]

Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic)

Acacia gum is a soluble fiber with demonstrated prebiotic properties. Unlike rapidly fermented fibers that can cause digestive discomfort, acacia gum ferments slowly, making it suitable for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Research demonstrates that acacia gum promotes Bifidobacteria proliferation similar to fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inhibits potentially harmful Clostridium histolyticum, and produces acetate, propionate, and butyrate.[16] In an animal model of chronic kidney disease, acacia gum supplementation completely restored depleted butyrate levels through increased production by beneficial bacteria.[17]

A review in PMC noted that acacia gum at doses of 10g/day shows prebiotic potential in humans, with its slow fermentation profile making it particularly gentle on the digestive system while still supporting SCFA production.[18]

Illustration of three prebiotic sources for short-chain fatty acid production: Jerusalem artichoke providing inulin for rapid fermentation, acacia gum for slow fermentation, and resistant starch foods

Prebiotic SCFA Effects Key Benefits
Jerusalem Artichoke (Inulin) Increases butyrate, propionate, acetate[5] Richest natural inulin source, promotes Bifidobacterium growth
Acacia Gum Restores depleted butyrate[17] Slow fermentation, gentle on sensitive guts, bifidogenic

The Synbiotic Advantage

Combining probiotics with prebiotics creates a "synbiotic" effect—the prebiotics feed the probiotics, enhancing their survival and metabolic activity. Understanding the complementary relationship between prebiotics and probiotics helps explain why formulations containing both often produce superior results. Research confirms that synbiotic combinations show improved clinical outcomes compared to either component alone.

Prebiotics + Probiotics: Better Together

MicroBiome Restore combines 26 probiotic strains with 9 organic prebiotics including Jerusalem artichoke, acacia gum, maitake mushroom, and fig fruit—creating a comprehensive synbiotic designed to maximize SCFA production.

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Practical Steps to Maximize Your Gut's SCFA Production

Based on the research evidence, here are actionable strategies to support healthy SCFA levels.

1. Diversify Your Fiber Intake

Different fibers feed different bacteria, and diversity of substrates supports diversity of bacterial populations. Include a variety of fiber sources—vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains—rather than relying on a single source. The research shows that combinatorial effects of different fiber types often exceed what any single fiber achieves alone.[5]

2. Include Prebiotic-Rich Foods

Foods naturally high in inulin and other fermentable fibers include Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas (especially when slightly green). These provide the raw materials gut bacteria need for SCFA production.

3. Consider a Multi-Strain Probiotic

Single-strain probiotics may miss the cross-feeding interactions that drive butyrate production. Look for formulations that include both Bifidobacterium species (for acetate production) and Lactobacillus species (for lactate production and prebiotic fermentation). The research consistently shows that multi-strain approaches support more robust SCFA production.[6]

4. Time Your Probiotic Appropriately

Probiotic survival and activity can be influenced by timing. Understanding the best time to take probiotics may help optimize their effectiveness. Most research suggests taking probiotics with meals or shortly before eating.

5. Support the Gut Environment

Factors beyond diet influence SCFA production. Adequate sleep, stress management, regular physical activity, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use all support the bacterial populations responsible for SCFA synthesis. The gut ecosystem responds to your overall lifestyle, not just what you eat.

6. Be Patient and Consistent

Microbiome changes take time. Studies showing significant SCFA increases typically involve weeks of consistent intervention. Expect to maintain prebiotic and probiotic strategies for at least 4-8 weeks before assessing results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements increase short-chain fatty acids?

The most effective supplements for increasing SCFAs combine prebiotic fibers (like inulin from Jerusalem artichoke or acacia gum) with multi-strain probiotics that include Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. This combination supports the entire fermentation pathway—probiotics that produce acetate, probiotics that release fermentable substrates, and prebiotics that fuel the process. Single-ingredient supplements may help, but research shows synergistic effects when combining approaches.

What foods are high in SCFAs?

SCFAs are produced by your gut bacteria, not absorbed directly from most foods. The exception is certain dairy products—butter contains small amounts of butyrate, and fermented dairy may provide some SCFAs. However, the primary way to increase gut SCFA levels is by eating foods high in fermentable fiber that gut bacteria convert into SCFAs. Focus on fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains rather than trying to consume SCFAs directly.

How can I increase butyrate-producing bacteria?

Butyrate-producing bacteria (like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia species) require acetate as a substrate for butyrate synthesis. The most effective strategy is to support acetate-producing bacteria like Bifidobacterium species, which then feed the butyrate producers. Prebiotic fibers—especially inulin from Jerusalem artichoke—have been shown to increase butyrate-producing bacterial populations. Research also shows that certain Lactobacillus strains, particularly L. plantarum, increase the abundance of butyrate-producing genera.[12]

Do probiotics boost butyrate?

Yes, but indirectly. Most common probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species) don't produce butyrate themselves—they produce acetate and lactate. However, these metabolites are essential substrates for the butyrate-producing bacteria already in your gut. Through cross-feeding, probiotics can significantly increase butyrate production even without producing it directly. Research confirms that human-origin probiotic cocktails increase butyrate production through microbiome modulation.[6]

Should I take butyrate supplements directly?

Butyrate supplements exist, but they have limitations. Oral butyrate is largely absorbed in the upper digestive tract before reaching the colon where it's needed most. Additionally, direct supplementation doesn't address the underlying ecosystem that should be producing butyrate continuously. Most researchers and clinicians recommend supporting natural butyrate production through prebiotics and probiotics rather than supplementing butyrate directly. This approach builds long-term gut health rather than providing temporary support.

How long does it take to increase SCFA production?

Microbiome changes typically require consistent intervention over weeks. Studies show measurable shifts in bacterial populations and SCFA levels after 2-4 weeks of prebiotic supplementation, with more substantial changes at 8-12 weeks. Individual responses vary based on starting microbiome composition, diet, and other factors. Consistency matters more than intensity—daily intake of prebiotics and probiotics produces better results than sporadic high-dose interventions.

Conclusion: Building Your SCFA-Producing Ecosystem

Short-chain fatty acids represent one of the most important connections between your diet, your gut bacteria, and your overall health. Butyrate in particular serves as the primary fuel for colonocytes and plays essential roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, regulating inflammation, and supporting metabolic health.

The research is clear: SCFA production depends on a complex ecosystem of bacterial interactions. Bifidobacterium species produce the acetate that butyrate-producing bacteria need. Lactobacillus strains release fermentable substrates and produce lactate that contributes to the fermentation cascade. And prebiotic fibers like inulin from Jerusalem artichoke and acacia gum provide the raw materials that fuel the entire process.

Rather than seeking a single "magic bullet," the most effective approach combines diverse fiber intake, strategic prebiotic supplementation, and multi-strain probiotics that support multiple stages of SCFA production. This ecosystem-based thinking—supporting the whole rather than isolated parts—aligns with how the gut microbiome actually functions.

Your gut bacteria have the capacity to produce these health-promoting metabolites. The question is whether they have the substrates, the cooperative partners, and the environmental conditions they need to do so. By understanding the science of SCFA production, you can make informed choices that support this critical aspect of gut health.

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References

  1. Tan, J., McKenzie, C., Potamitis, M., Thorburn, A. N., Mackay, C. R., & Macia, L. (2014). The role of short-chain fatty acids in health and disease. Advances in Immunology, 121, 91-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ai.2014.01.004
  2. Anand, S., Kaur, H., & Mande, S. S. (2016). Comparative in silico analysis of butyrate production pathways in gut commensals and pathogens. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 1945. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01945
  3. Duan, Y., Huang, Y., An, Y., Zhao, H., Wu, M., Xie, J., & Yang, Y. (2024). The role of short chain fatty acids in inflammation and body health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(13), 7379. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137379
  4. Rivière, A., Selak, M., Lantin, D., Leroy, F., & De Vuyst, L. (2016). Bifidobacteria and butyrate-producing colon bacteria: Importance and strategies for their stimulation in the human gut. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 979. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00979
  5. Nishimura, M., Ohkawara, T., Tetsuka, K., Kawasaki, Y., Nakagawa, R., Satoh, H., Sato, Y., & Nishihira, J. (2020). Combinatorial effects of soluble, insoluble, and organic extracts from Jerusalem artichokes on gut microbiota in mice. Nutrients, 12(7), 1963. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071963
  6. Nagpal, R., Wang, S., Ahmadi, S., Hayes, J., Gagliano, J., Subashchandrabose, S., Kitzman, D. W., Becber, T., Crandall, R., & Yadav, H. (2018). Human-origin probiotic cocktail increases short-chain fatty acid production via modulation of mice and human gut microbiome. Scientific Reports, 8, 12649. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-30114-4
  7. Facchin, S., Bertin, L., Bonazzi, E., Lorenzon, G., De Barba, C., Barberio, B., Zingone, F., Savarino, E. V., & Savarino, E. (2024). Short-chain fatty acids and human health: From metabolic pathways to current therapeutic implications. Life, 14(5), 559. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050559
  8. Álvarez-Herms, J., González, A., Corbi, F., Odriozola, I., Odriozola, A., & González-Benito, A. (2024). Therapeutic and immunologic effects of short-chain fatty acids in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(20), 10879. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010879
  9. Pham, N. H. T., Joglekar, M. V., Wong, W. K. M., Nassif, N. T., Simpson, A. M., & Hardikar, A. A. (2024). Short-chain fatty acids and insulin sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews, 82(2), 193-209. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuad042
  10. Falony, G., Vlachou, A., Verbrugghe, K., & De Vuyst, L. (2006). Cross-feeding between Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and acetate-converting, butyrate-producing colon bacteria during growth on oligofructose. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 72(12), 7835-7841. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01296-06
  11. Li, H., Cao, Y., Gao, X., Li, Y., Wu, X., Xu, J., & Chen, L. (2024). Cross-feeding of bifidobacteria promotes intestinal homeostasis: A lifelong perspective on the host health. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 10, 47. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00524-6
  12. Liu, Y., Yu, X., Yu, L., Tian, F., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Qian, L., Wang, Q., Xue, Z., Zhai, Q., & Chen, W. (2021). Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM8610 alleviates irritable bowel syndrome and prevents gut microbiota dysbiosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical trial. Engineering, 7(3), 376-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2020.06.026
  13. Wang, J., Ji, H., Wang, S., Liu, H., Zhang, W., Zhang, D., & Wang, Y. (2018). Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum promotes intestinal barrier function by strengthening the epithelium and modulating gut microbiota. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 1953. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01953
  14. Moens, F., Verce, M., & De Vuyst, L. (2017). Lactate- and acetate-based cross-feeding interactions between selected strains of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and colon bacteria in the presence of inulin-type fructans. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 241, 225-236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.10.019
  15. Pongpirul, K., Wannigama, D. L., Chanpiwat, P., & Wongsurawat, T. (2024). Enhancing gut microbiota and microbial function with inulin supplementation in children with obesity. International Journal of Obesity, 48, 1569-1577. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-024-01590-8
  16. Michel, C., Kravtchenko, T. P., David, A., Gueneau, S., Kozlowski, F., & Cherbut, C. (1998). In vitro prebiotic effects of Acacia gums onto the human intestinal microbiota depends on both botanical origin and environmental pH. Anaerobe, 4(6), 257-266. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16887651/
  17. Al-Asmakh, M., Sohail, M. U., & Al-Jamal, O. (2020). The influence of the prebiotic gum acacia on the intestinal microbiome composition in rats with experimental chronic kidney disease. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 133, 110992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110992
  18. Desai, M. S., & Gupta, A. (2023). Prebiotic potential of gum Arabic for gut health. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 12(11), 2581-2584. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10624802/

About BioPhysics Essentials

BioPhysics Essentials is committed to providing science-backed, filler-free supplements that support optimal gut health. Our formulations are designed with a single priority: your wellness—never manufacturing convenience.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement regimen.

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Nicholas Wunder is the founder of BioPhysics Essentials. With a degree in Biology and a background in neuroscience and microbiology, he created Gut Check to cut through supplement industry marketing noise and share what the research actually says about gut health.