Research Topic: short-chain fatty acids

Triacetin and a Mushroom Blend Restore Butyrate Production by IBS Microbiomes Ex Vivo, Thus Promoting Barrier Integrity

Researchers tested two natural products—triacetin and a mushroom blend—to see if they could help people with IBS by improving their gut bacteria and strengthening their intestinal lining. Both products successfully increased beneficial short-chain fatty acids and improved barrier integrity, with triacetin having the added advantage of producing less uncomfortable gas. These findings suggest these products could offer a new dietary approach to managing IBS symptoms.

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Bioactive Peptides from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as Modulators of the Gut Microbiome: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Evidence

This review examines how quinoa and its protein-derived peptides can improve gut health by changing the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Research shows that quinoa helps boost beneficial bacteria, increases diversity of microbial communities, and promotes production of butyrate, a beneficial compound that supports intestinal health. Different disease conditions show specific improvements, such as reduced harmful bacteria in colitis and better metabolic balance in obesity, suggesting quinoa could be tailored for personalized health interventions.

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Valorization of Hericium erinaceus By-Products for β-Glucan Recovery via Pulsed Electric Field-Assisted Alkaline Extraction and Prebiotic Potential Analysis

This research shows how scientists can extract beneficial compounds called β-glucans from leftover Lion’s Mane mushroom material using electrical pulses and alkaline treatment. These extracted compounds work like prebiotics, feeding and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which then produce healthy fatty acids that support digestive health. The method is environmentally friendly and could help food companies make functional ingredients from mushroom waste.

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Potential Roles of Exogenous Proteases and Lipases as Prebiotics

This review explores how digestive enzymes like proteases and lipases work similarly to prebiotics—foods that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. When animals consumed supplements of these enzymes, their gut bacteria became healthier, producing more beneficial compounds and showing improved intestinal health. These findings suggest that fermented foods and raw foods containing natural digestive enzymes, as well as enzyme supplements, may help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

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Dietary Pineapple Pomace Complex Improves Growth Performance and Reduces Fecal Odor in Weaned Piglets by Modulating Fecal Microbiota, SCFAs, and Indoles

Pineapple pomace, a leftover byproduct from pineapple processing, was tested as a feed ingredient for young piglets. When added at 2% to their diet, it significantly improved their growth rate and feed efficiency better than expensive imported fish meal. The pineapple pomace also made the pigs’ manure smell better by reducing foul-smelling compounds, while increasing beneficial gut bacteria that improve digestion and health.

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In vitro fermentation characteristics and prebiotic activity of herbal polysaccharides: a review

This review explores how plant-based polysaccharides from traditional herbs can benefit our health by feeding good bacteria in our gut. When these polysaccharides are fermented by our gut microbiota, they break down into smaller compounds that produce short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. The research shows that different herbs have different structures that are recognized by specific beneficial bacteria, which suggests we can develop personalized functional foods tailored to promote specific health benefits.

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Hypoglycemic Effect of Edible Fungi Polysaccharides Depends on Their Metabolites from the Fermentation of Human Fecal Microbiota

Edible mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum, cordyceps, shiitake, and poria contain beneficial compounds called polysaccharides that may help control blood sugar. When these polysaccharides are digested by beneficial gut bacteria, they produce eight special metabolites that enhance the body’s ability to use glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. The research identified specific bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium and Coprococcus, that produce these beneficial metabolites, suggesting that measuring these markers could help evaluate which mushroom polysaccharides work best for diabetes prevention.

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Editorial: Dietary polysaccharides and brain health

This editorial examines how eating foods rich in polysaccharides, such as grains, fruits, and mushrooms, may help protect brain health and cognitive function as we age. The research suggests these foods work through the gut microbiota, which communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis. While single fiber sources show modest effects, combining different types of fermentable fibers may be more effective for improving memory and preventing age-related cognitive decline.

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Butyrate ameliorates quinolinic acid–induced cognitive decline in obesity models

This research shows that overweight and obese individuals have higher levels of a toxic compound called quinolinic acid in their bodies, which is linked to memory problems and brain shrinkage. The good news is that butyrate, a substance naturally produced by gut bacteria when we eat fiber, can protect against these harmful effects. Butyrate works by activating genes that produce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for brain health and memory formation. The study suggests that increasing butyrate through diet or supplements could help prevent cognitive decline associated with obesity.

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Effects of Natural Polysaccharides on the Gut Microbiota Related to Human Metabolic Health

Natural plant and organism sugars called polysaccharides can improve your gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria and strengthening your intestinal barrier. These compounds help prevent diseases like obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease by changing the types of bacteria in your gut and producing helpful substances. Polysaccharides come from common foods like mushrooms, seaweed, berries, and vegetables, making them potential natural treatments for various health conditions.

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