Monocarboxylic short-chain fatty acids C2-C6 in serum of obese children

The serum concentrations of monocarboxylic short-chain fatty acids (acetic to n-caproic) were estimated in 12 children with simple obesity aged 4-16 years and in a control group of 35 normal subjects. In the obese patients, significantly decreased values for acetic and n-caproic acid and an increased total free fatty acid level were found. The presumable causes of the phenomenon are discussed.