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Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

Fatty acids with two to six carbons (predominantly acetate, propionate, butyrate) produced by colonic bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch.

Also: SCFA, SCFAs, Short chain fatty acids

SCFAs are absorbed by colonocytes and signal through G-protein coupled receptors GPR41 (FFAR3) and GPR43 (FFAR2) and via histone deacetylase inhibition (especially butyrate). Butyrate is the preferred colonocyte fuel, propionate contributes to hepatic gluconeogenesis and satiety, acetate enters systemic circulation. SCFAs influence appetite (PYY, GLP-1), inflammation, glucose homeostasis, and intestinal barrier integrity.

How each textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary

    Acetate, propionate, and butyrate produced by colonic microbial fermentation of fiber. Provide energy to colonocytes (butyrate), modulate immune function, and influence hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis.

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 1

    Butyrate is the primary energy source for colonocytes; acetate and propionate are absorbed and influence liver lipid metabolism and appetite signaling. SCFAs support gut barrier function, anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells, and insulin sensitivity. Production depends on fiber intake, particularly fermentable fibers from whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 37: Biotics and Fermented Foods

    SCFAs are absorbed by colonocytes and signal through G-protein coupled receptors GPR41 (FFAR3) and GPR43 (FFAR2) and via histone deacetylase inhibition (especially butyrate). Butyrate is the preferred colonocyte fuel, propionate contributes to hepatic gluconeogenesis and satiety, acetate enters systemic circulation. SCFAs influence appetite (PYY, GLP-1), inflammation, glucose homeostasis, and intestinal barrier integrity.

Related terms

Butyrate, Dietary Fiber, Fermentation, Fiber, Gut Microbiota, Microbiome, Microflora, Prebiotic, Prebiotics