Short Chain Fatty Acids [Hardcover]

Short chain fatty acids (SFCA) are synthesized by the colonic microflora primarily from non-absorbed carbohydrate; there is also some limited production from non-absorbed protein. In contrast, SFCA are not normally present in the diet. During the past 15 years SFCA have attracted considerable interest in human nutrition, physiology and pathophysiology as a result of the realization that SFCA represent an important mechanism for carbohydrate and calorie conservation and may play a role in various types of colitides and possibly in colonic neoplasia. In addition, SFCA, produced in large amounts by ruminants and other herbivores, have long been the province of veterinary physiologists.
This book is based upon the presentations at the 73rd Falk Symposium held in Strasbourg, France, September 8--10, 1993, which brought together researchers and clinicians from five continents. It provides an excellent statement of the present state-of-the-art knowledge of SFCA.
Introduction. Section I: Short Chain Fatty Acid Production. 1. Control of short chain volatile acid production in the colon; M.J. Wolin. 2. Quantitating short chain fatty acid production in humans; J.H. Cummings. 3. Energy value of fermentation; E. Wisker, W. Feldheim. 4. Segmental differences in colonic function; G.I. Sandle. 5. Short chain fatty acid and lactate production by human intestinal bacteria grown in batch and continuous culture; G.T. Macfarlane, G.R. Gibson, S. Macfarlane. 6. In vivo models for short chain fatty acid production; T. Midtvedt. Section II: SlóÆ