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SCFA

Meaning

SCFA stands for Short-Chain Fatty Acids, which are carboxylic acids with fewer than six carbon atoms, primarily produced by the bacterial fermentation of undigested dietary fiber and resistant starch in the large intestine. These microbial metabolites, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are essential signaling molecules that profoundly influence gut health, immune function, and systemic metabolic regulation across the entire body. SCFAs represent a critical, measurable link in the gut-hormone axis, supporting metabolic flexibility and overall vitality.