Diet, Serum Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Potential Molecular Associations in Obesity

Abstract Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been reported to result in a wide range of health benefits including improvements in body composition and reduced body weight. However, excess production of colonic SCFAs has been implicated in the promotion of obesity. In this study, we aimed to explore the interrelation between diet, SCFAs production and obesity. This study included 31 subjects divided into a lean group and an obese group. Their dietary habits were assessed by means of food-frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall then blood samples were collected from all of them. Analysis of short-chain fatty acids (i.e., acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in serum was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Dietary assessment revealed that obese subjects had a significantly higher intake of carbohydrate, fat and sodium while lean subjects had a significantly higher intake of dietary fiber. Serum levels of propionate were higher in lean subjects compared to obese subjects (P < 0.05). Serum propionate level showed a positive significant correlation with fiber intake (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that healthy dietary choices and increasing daily fiber intake may be associated with positive health outcomes modulated by increasing short chain fatty acids.