Formation of propionate and butyrate by the human colonic microbiota
Tóm tắt
The human gut microbiota ferments dietary non‐digestible carbohydrates into short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA). These microbial products are utilized by the host and propionate and butyrate in particular exert a range of health‐promoting functions. Here an overview of the metabolic pathways utilized by gut microbes to produce these two SCFA from dietary carbohydrates and from amino acids resulting from protein breakdown is provided. This overview emphasizes the important role played by cross‐feeding of intermediary metabolites (in particular lactate, succinate and 1,2‐propanediol) between different gut bacteria. The ecophysiology, including growth requirements and responses to environmental factors, of major propionate and butyrate producing bacteria are discussed in relation to dietary modulation of these metabolites. A detailed understanding of SCFA metabolism by the gut microbiota is necessary to underpin effective strategies to optimize SCFA supply to the host.
Từ khóa
Tài liệu tham khảo
Macfarlane S., 1995, Human Colonic Bacteria ‐ Role in Nutrition, Physiology and Pathology, 75
Morrison D.J., 2006, Butyrate production from oligofructose fermentation by the human faecal flora: what is the contribution of extracellular acetate and lactate?, Br J Nutr, 96, 570, 10.1079/BJN20061853