Short-chain fatty acids

    Written by:
    Thomas Solomon

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    by:

    Katie Jantz, Conni Covington
    Last Updated: January 27, 2026

    Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) include butyrate, propionate, and acetate. They are small fatty acids made when bacteria in the gut ferment foods like dietary fiber and resistant starch. However, the effects of SCFAs as an intervention have also been tested in clinical trials.

    Note: The Examine Database on this page covers studies where mixed SCFAs (a combination of more than one type of SCFA) were used. Examine has separate pages for individual SCFAs.

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