Evidence for greater production of colonic short-chain fatty acids in overweight than lean humans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by colonic microbiota from dietary carbohydrates and proteins that reach the colon. It has been suggested that SCFA may promote obesity via increased colonic energy availability. Recent studies suggest obese humans have higher faecal SCFA than lean, but it is unclear whether this difference is due to increased SCFA production or reduced absorption.

Objectives

To compare rectal SCFA absorption, dietary intake and faecal microbial profile in lean (LN) versus overweight and obese (OWO) individuals.

Design

Eleven LN and eleven OWO individuals completed a 3-day diet record, provided a fresh faecal sample and had SCFA absorption measured using the rectal dialysis bag method. The procedures were repeated after 2 weeks.

SUBMITTER: Rahat-Rozenbloom S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3970979 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature