Short Chain Fatty Acids News and Research

RSS

Butyrate and propionate are two important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the human gut. They have been shown to have significant immune system effects in the intestinal mucosa, by inducing the differentiation of T-regulatory cells via inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC). This enzyme keeps chromatin from unwinding and, therefore, inhibits gene transcription.

Scientists uncover the gut’s hidden hydrogen engine and how it falters in Crohn’s disease

Study reveals that group B [FeFe]-hydrogenase is the primary enzyme driving fermentative hydrogen production in the healthy human gut, mainly through Bacteroides species. These genes are significantly depleted in Crohn’s disease, indicating a metabolic shift and altered hydrogen cycling dominated by respiratory bacteria

27 Oct 2025

Are ultra-processed plant foods really worse than meat? Scientists weigh in

A new review challenges assumptions about ultra-processed foods, finding that plant-based versions, such as soymilk, meat analogs, and soft margarines, may lower cholesterol and disease risk compared with unprocessed animal foods when used as replacements.

26 Oct 2025

Drinking soft drinks may fuel depression by altering gut bacteria

A study links soft drink consumption to increased depression risk, highlighting gut microbiome changes, particularly in women. Learn more about the findings.

10 Oct 2025

Non-standard baby formula linked to faster infant growth

The use of non-standard infant formulas is associated with higher growth rates in the first year, necessitating further research on long-term health effects.

8 Oct 2025

Does yogurt strengthen your bones?

Researchers review the impact of yogurt consumption on bone health in healthy adults.

3 Oct 2025

How maternal microbes shape babies’ gut health and disease risk

Early microbial exposures from maternal microbes, milk components, and the environment shape infant gut development and long-term disease risk. The review highlights mechanisms, preventive levers, and research gaps in supporting healthy microbiome inheritance across generations.

29 Sep 2025

New study suggests a connection between soft drinks and depression via the microbiome

A new study involving the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) provides strong evidence that sugary drinks affect not only metabolic but also mental health – especially in women. This effect is probably mediated by the sensitive microbiome of the intestine.

25 Sep 2025

Research highlights how the gut microbiome can affect epigenetics

The trillions of microbes that live in the human gut may play a bigger role in health than previously thought, according to a new research by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

23 Sep 2025

Gut microbial imbalance linked to chronic sickle cell disease pain

A research collaboration involving scientists and students at The University of Texas at Dallas has found a clear connection between chronic sickle cell disease pain and the bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract.

22 Sep 2025

Carrot fiber supplement boosts gut bacteria and immune defenses

This trial reveals that carrot-derived rhamnogalacturonan-I boosts Bifidobacteria and supports immune function, highlighting its potential for gut health.

18 Sep 2025

Berberine improves cognitive function in diabetic encephalopathy mice

A recent study published in Engineering has shed new light on the potential therapeutic effects of berberine (BBR), a natural compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, in treating diabetic encephalopathy (DE).

9 Sep 2025

How fiber intake shapes your gut microbes’ digestion strategy

A study reveals how gut bacteria shift from fiber to mucus digestion, linking this change to inflammation in healthy adults and introducing the Muc2Plant ratio.

5 Sep 2025

Study: Not all dietary proteins are digested equally in the gut

As protein-rich diets become increasingly popular, a new study suggests that categorizing dietary proteins as either animal- or plant-based fails to effectively capture the source-specific differences in their composition, digestive efficiency and accessibility to the gut microbiota.

4 Sep 2025

Alzheimer’s research uncovers a new therapeutic pathway for the memory-robbing malady

The gut contains the largest collection of immune cells in the body. New research at the Buck Institute shows that some of those immune cells travel along the brain/gut axis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) providing a potential new therapeutic pathway for the memory-robbing malady.

29 Aug 2025

Longitudinal study reveals how GLP-2 analog therapy transforms the intestinal environment

Researchers from Japan discover that glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogs can deeply and beneficially reshape the intestinal environment.

27 Aug 2025

Gut bacteria and insomnia influence each other in small but significant ways, study shows

Scientists used Mendelian randomisation to explore the two-way relationship between gut microbiota and insomnia, analyzing GWAS data from over 386,000 individuals and two major microbiome cohorts. The study found only limited taxa surviving strict correction, suggesting small but causal links that highlight the gut–brain axis in sleep health.

21 Aug 2025

Fasting supports type 1 diabetes care by reshaping the microbiome

A week of fasting alters the gut microbiome in type 1 diabetes, aligning it with healthy profiles and enhancing cholesterol and weight management.

20 Aug 2025

Natural gut molecule reverses liver damage and repairs gut lining

UC Davis Health researchers have discovered that a natural molecule made by gut bacteria can reverse liver damage and repair the gut lining after aflatoxin exposure.

12 Aug 2025

Gut bacteria may connect pregnancy diet to childhood autism

Unhealthy maternal diets may alter gut microbes, impacting brain development and increasing autism risk in offspring. Study the microbiome's influence.

8 Aug 2025

Mediterranean diet delivers gut health benefits for expectant mothers

A Mediterranean diet during pregnancy significantly alters the maternal gut microbiome, increasing beneficial bacteria, while a mindfulness-based stress reduction program shows more limited effects. Neither intervention affected the vaginal microbiome, and the clinical significance of these changes requires further study.

6 Aug 2025