Short-Chain Fatty Acids Promote Satiety

WAGENINGEN, The NetherlandsShort-chain fatty acids, in particular propionic acid, benefit weight management because they produce the satiety hormone, leptin, and reduce the production of resistin, which improves the effectiveness of insulin, according to new research published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Bacteria in the large intestine break down food components that cannot be digested by the human body. In the process they produce short-chain fatty acidsacetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acidthat are absorbed by the body and act as an energy source for a variety of organs, such as the gut wall, liver and muscle tissue.

After fat tissue has been exposed to propionic acid it increases the production of the satiety hormone leptin and reduces the production of resistin. The influence of propionic acid on the production of these two hormones has a two-way effect on the health status of individuals who are overweight or obesea reduction in food intake and increased insulin sensitivity.