The role of short chain fatty acids in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis

Over the last 20 years there has been an increasing interest in the influence of the gastrointestinal tract on appetite regulation. Much of the focus has been on the neuronal and hormonal relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. There is now mounting evidence that the colonic microbiota and their metabolic activity have a significant role in energy homeostasis. The supply of substrate to the colonic microbiota has a major impact on the microbial population and the metabolites they produce, particularly short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are produced when non-digestible carbohydrates, namely dietary fibres and resistant starch, undergo fermentation by the colonic microbiota. Both the…

• NI
  National Institute for Health and Care Research

  Award: FP7-HEALTH-2009-241592
• IC
  Imperial College London
• MR
  Medical Research Council

  Award: FP7-HEALTH-2009-241592
• BA
  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Awards: BB/L004259/1, BB/H004971/1, BB/H004815/1, FP7-HEALTH-2009-241592
• NI
  NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre
• FH
  FP7 Health