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Table 2 SCFAs produced by probiotics and their beneficial effects

From: Evaluation of the Function of Probiotics, Emphasizing the Role of their Binding to the Intestinal Epithelium in the Stability and their Effects on the Immune System

Short-chain fatty acids

Effect of SCFA

Producing Bacteria

Ref.

Lactic acids

Maintaining intestinal and immune homeostasis

As a mediator in the microbiota–gut–brain axis crosstalk regulating pH,

Increasing the absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium,

Anti-inflammatory activity (inhibiting NFκB macrophages)

Inhibit the development of pathogenic microorganisms competing for colonization sites

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)

Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Enterococci, Streptococci, Eubacterium

[39, 45,46,47,48]

Acetic acid

Key factor in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and synthesis of cholesterol

Maintaining intestinal and immune homeostasis

LAB,

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB),

Acetobacter spp.

[49, 50]

Propionic acid

Inhibition of gluconeogenesis and cholesterol synthesis in the liver Maintaining intestinal and immune homeostasis

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects against pathogens

LAB

Propionic acid bacteria (PAB)

Propionibacterium

[51, 52]

Butyric acid

Anti-inflammatory effect

Main source of energy for intestinal epithelial cells

Immunoregulatory effect on intestinal epithelial cells and other mucosal cell populations

Stimulating the expression of the MUC2 gene in cell lines. Production of mucin inhibiting tumor development and inducing the process of apoptosis

LAB, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes

[47, 53,54,55,56,57]