Occurrence, absorption and metabolism of short chain fatty acids in the digestive tract of mammals

doi:10.1016/0305-0491(87)90433-0

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Comparative Biochemistry

Volume 86, Issue 3, 1987, Pages 439-472

https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-0491(87)90433-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

1.
1. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) also named volatile fatty acids, mainly acetate, propionate and butyrate, are the major end-products of the microbial digestion of carbohydrates in the alimentary canal.
2.
2. The highest concentrations are observed in the forestomach of the ruminants and in the large intestine (caecum and colon) of all the mammals.
3.
3. Butyrate and caproate released by action of gastric lipase on bovine milk triacylglycerols ingested by preruminants or infants are of nutritional importance too.
4.
4. Both squamous stratified mucosa of rumen and columnar simple epithelium of intestine absorb readily SCFA. The mechanisms of SCFA absorption are incompletely known. Passive diffusion of the unionized form across the cell membrane is currently admitted. In the lumen, the necessary protonation of SCFA anions could come first from the hydration of CO₂. The ubiquitous cell membrane process of Na⁺-H⁺ exchange can also supply luminal protons.
5.
5. Evidence for an acid microclimate ( $pH = 5.8−6.8$ ) suitable for SCFA-protonation on the surface of the intestinal lining has been provided recently. This microclimate would be generated by an epithelial secretion of H⁺ ions and would be protected by the mucus coating from the variable pH of luminal contents.
6.
6. Part of the absorbed SCFA does not reach plasma because it is metabolized in the gastrointestinal wall. Acetate incorporation in mucosal higher lipids is well-known.
7.
7. However, the preponderant metabolic pathway for all the SCFA is catabolism to CO₂ except in the rumen wall where about 80% of butyrate is converted to ketone bodies which afterwards flow into bloodstream. Thus, SCFA are an important energy source for the gut mucosa itself.

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ReviewOccurrence, absorption and metabolism of short chain fatty acids in the digestive tract of mammals

Abstract

Br. Vet. J.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

J. Nutr.

J. Nutr.

Clin. Chim. Acta

J. Chromatogr.

J. Chromatogr.

J. Nutr.

Agr. Environ.

Comp. Biochem. Physiol.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

J. Dairy Sci.

J. Dairy Sci.

Gastroenterology

Clin. Gastroenterol.

Gastroenterology

Comp. Biochem. Physiol.

Clin. Chim. Acta

J. Lipid Res.

J. Lipid Res.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

J. Dairy Sci.

J. Chromatogr.

Clin. Chim. Acta

J. Nutr.

Biochim. Biophys. Acta

J. Dairy Sci.

Comp. Biochem. Physiol.

J. Dairy Sci.

The disappearance of volatile fatty acids through the rumen wall

Z. Tierphysiol. Tierernähr. Futtermittelkde.

Lipolysis and the distribution of lipase activity in bovine milk in relation to stage of lactation and time of milking

J. Dairy Res.

The structure and function of gastrointestinal mucus

The structure and physiology of gastrointestinal mucus

Adv. Exp. Med. Biol.

Mucus and bicarbonate secretion in the stomach and their possible role in mucosal protection

Gut

VFA production in the digestive systems of deer and sheep

J. Wildl. Manage.

Incomplete absorption of the carbohydrate in all-purpose wheat flour

N. Engl. J. Med.

Serum lipoprotein stimulation of lipolysis and its relevance to free fatty acid development in bovine milk

J. Dairy Res.

Absorption from the ruminant stomach

Volatile fatty acid metabolism and energy supply

Studies on the portal blood of sheep. 2. Absorption of volatile fatty acids from the rumen of the sheep

Biochem. J.

Volatile fatty acid production and absorption from the large intestine of the pig

Interrelationship of Na, HCO3 and volatile fatty acid transport across equine large intestinal mucosa

Gastroenterology

Effect of volatile fatty acids on water and ion absorption from the goat colon

Am. J. Physiol.

Sites of organic acid production and absorption in gastrointestinal tract of the pig

Am. J. Physiol.

Interrelationship of Na, HCO3, and volatile fatty acid transport by equine large intestine

Am. J. Physiol.

Sites of organic acid production and absorption in the equine gastrointestinal tract

Am. J. Physiol.

The large bowel—a supplementary rumen?

Inter-relationship of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and acetate transport by the colon of the pig

J. Physiol. (Lond.)

Review
Occurrence, absorption and metabolism of short chain fatty acids in the digestive tract of mammals

Interrelationship of Na, HCO₃ and volatile fatty acid transport across equine large intestinal mucosa

Interrelationship of Na, HCO₃, and volatile fatty acid transport by equine large intestine