Gut Microbiota Modulation and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production
Summary
The human gastrointestinal tract harbours a densely populated and diverse microbial ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in host metabolism, immunity and barrier function. Modulation of this community through dietary components, live microbial supplements or combined formulations can shift microbial composition and functional output, notably the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate. These SCFAs arise from the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates and resistant fibres and act as signalling molecules influencing energy homeostasis, gut barrier integrity, anti-inflammatory pathways and even central nervous system function via the gut–brain axis. Strategic manipulation of the gut microbiota aims to promote beneficial taxa capable of efficient SCFA production, thereby enhancing mucosal health, regulating systemic metabolism and modulating immune responses. Advances in high-throughput sequencing, metabolomics and in vitro fermentation models have deepened our understanding of how specific substrates and microbial strains interact to yield optimal SCFA profiles. Ongoing research seeks to translate these mechanistic insights into personalised nutritional and therapeutic interventions against metabolic, inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders on a global scale.
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Gut Microbiota Modulation and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in gut microbiota modulation and short-chain fatty acid production across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Gut microbiota: The community of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, viruses and fungi residing in the gastrointestinal tract.
Prebiotic: A non-digestible substrate that selectively stimulates growth or activity of beneficial gut microbes.
Probiotic: Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.
Synbiotic: A combination of prebiotics and probiotics designed to synergistically enhance microbial viability and function.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Carboxylic acids with fewer than six carbon atoms produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibres, involved in host energy metabolism and immune modulation.
References
- Unveiling the Potential Prebiotic Effects of Edible Mushroom Pleurotus djamor During In Vitro Colonic Fermentation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2024).
- Probiotic Bifidobacterium strains and galactooligosaccharides improve intestinal barrier function in obese adults but show no synergism when used together as synbiotics. Microbiome (2018).
- In vitro study of the effect of quinoa and quinoa polysaccharides on human gut microbiota. Food Science & Nutrition (2021).
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