Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis by capillary gas-liquid chromatography

A new method is described for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis in stool samples. After sample purification by acid vacuum transfer and concentration by alkaline freeze-drying, SCFAs were measured by gas-liquid chromatography using a capillary column. Peak resolution and reproducibility were superior to SCFA analysis on a conventional glass column. With this new technique SCFA were quantitated in stool samples of six healthy volunteers on a basal diet with and without a fermentable dietary fiber preparation; fiber had no effect on fecal SCFA concentration. In two patients with a short-bowel syndrome, SCFA could be demonstrated in stool samples, indicating active fermentation.