Short Chain Fatty Acids - Optimizing Metabolic Energy and Longevity

How and to what extent microbes influence on health is a relatively new area of study. Amazingly,  the influence of gut microbiota on general health and longevity is only now becoming understood. Recent attention is scientific areas concern the importance of intestinal microbes and how they affect not only health of the the gut but also overall health of the body.(1) An area of keen interest is the production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) by microbial fermentation in the gut and how it can significantly improve health.(2)

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs - acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) are produced as a fermentation byproduct of soluble fiber (e.g nuts, seeds, certain vegetables) by microbes in the large intestine.

Among the beneficial effects of SCFA's include:

• IMPROVES HEALTH OF INTESTINES. SCFA's are used as nutrients by the cells in the intestine to improve intestinal health, reducing inflammation and improving  gut barrier dysfunction. Gut barrier dysfunction contributes to chronic low grade inflammation and metabolic endotoxaemia.

• REDUCING INSULIN RESISTANCE - Insulin Resistance s a major factor in the development and disease progression in diabetes. Furthermore, insulin resistance is significant in aging, and loss of glucose homeostasis accelerates the aging process.(3)

• IMPROVING TYPE 2 DIABETES METABOLIC CONTROL - SCFA's are now considered as key molecules in mitigating some of the effects of diabetes including reduction in serum levels of glucose, insulin resistance. Furthermore, SCFA's increase the production of Glucogen-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)  which is protective against diabetic effects. (4)
  

• OBESITY - Development of obesity is affected by decreased SCFA production by microbiota in the intestine. Increased gut permeability, inflammation and increased energy are significant contributors to obesity.

THE ROLE OF TAURINE IN SHORT CHAIN FATTY ACID PRODUCTION.

Furthermore, research indicates that taurine supplementation may significantly improve the intestinal microbiotic environment by increasing the production of SCFAs  and decreasing inflammatory concentrations of serum  lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS induced inflammation is a common issue facilitated by the processed western diet.(5)

LONGEVITY NATURALLY (High Taurine Complex)

REFERENCES:

(1) Andoh A. Physiological Role of Gut Microbiota for Maintaining Human Health. Digestion. 2016 Feb 9

(2) KeenanMJ, et al. Improving healthspan via changes in gut microbiota and fermentation. Age (Dordr). 2015 Oct.

(3) Hartl FU. Cellular Homeostasis and Aging. Annu Rev Biochem. 2016 Apr 6.

(4) Puddu A, et al. Evidence for the gut microbiota short-chain fatty acids as key pathophysiological molecules improving diabetes. Mediators Inflamm. 2014

(5) Yu H, et al. Effects of taurine on gut microbiota and metabolism in mice. Amino Acids. 2016 Mar 30.