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Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Gut Microbiome-Lung Tissue Communication Through Short-Chain Fatty Acid Analysis
Published on: June 21, 2024
Quantification of Short Chain Fatty Acids (acetate, butyrate, propionate) in human blood with ion exclusion
Markus Bertges1,2, Josef van Helden1, Ralf Weiskirchen2
1MVZ Dr. Stein + Kollegen Mönchengladbach, Labor Mönchengladbach, Medical Care Centre, Mönchengladbach, Germany.
Abstract:
Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), i.e. acetate, propionate and butyrate, are mainly produced by bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the human colon. Most important are omega-3, omega-6 and unsaturated fatty acids as being important for a healthy lifestyle. SCFAs are fundamental for proper intestinal flora and they can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. SCFAs such as acetate and propionate show promise as candidates to increase satiety-enhancing properties of food. Here we describe a simple method for determining organic acids in human blood.

