Bacterial metabolic activity

Butter, propionic and acetic acid ensure a stable barrier function of the intestine. The short-chain fatty acids butyric, propionic and acetic acid are formed during the microbial metabolism of fibre from cereals or the cell walls of vegetables in the colon. They play an essential role in the metabolism of the colonic mucosa: Butyrate is considered the main energy supplier. Together with propionate, butyrate stimulates the physiological formation of new cells in the crypts of the colon and maintains the activity of bacterial enzymes. Acetate promotes the optimal blood supply to the colonic mucosa. If the short-chain fatty acids are not available in sufficient quantity and in an approximate ratio of 3:1:1, the function of the energy metabolism is impaired and the barrier function of the intestine is restricted (Leaky Gut Syndrome). The specific measurement method Head-Space-GC-MS is used to determine the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids from stool as well as the percentage ratio of butyrate, propionate and acetate.