ABSTRACT
Microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), especially acetate, propionate, and butyrate play paramount role in trigger-response relationship among host diet, microbiota, and homeostasis under many pathological conditions. SCFA comprise small carboxylic acids produced mainly by anaerobic bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates not digested by the host. Previous studies suggested that the production of such microbial end products is influenced by probiotics, which can exert positive effects on human health through this mechanism. This chapter outlines the impact of SCFA produced by probiotic lactic acid bacteria on human health. After a brief introduction on the various aspects of probiotics in relation to microbiota and health benefits, herein we discuss SCFA production by these microorganisms, including types and either indirect or direct mechanisms through which they can contribute to their accumulation in the colon. Emphasis is given to the application of SCFA and their functional role in the improvement of overall health. Moreover, owing to the biological significance of SCFA, recent advances in the development of rapid and selective analytical methods capable of identifying and quantifying them are also presented. An outlook on SCFA and probiotics is given at last.
