Stimulation of microbial butyrate synthesis through prebiotics

Abstract

The intestinal microbiota is a complex ecosystem in which diverse populations coexist and whose metabolism can be targeted. Through dietary intervention, the intestinal microbiota can be driven to synthesize a particular metabolite. This review aims to highlight studies in which prebiotic interventions are variably effective through the production of microbial butyrate in situ. Since the intestinal microbiota is an ecosystem that does not repeat between individuals, different prebiotics (with different physicochemical characteristics) may lead to different responses, which depend on the resident microbiota. Not all fibers have the same effect on all individuals, but it is possible to find a fiber whose consumption is suitable for an individual at a given time. There is enough scientific evidence to postulate that the effect of dietary fiber and prebiotics on human microbiota is enterotype-specific regarding short chain fatty acids production and bifidogenic effect; nevertheless, little is known regarding the effect on butyrogenic bacteria and butyrate synthesis in situ. Clarifying these unknown correlations would allow progress to be made in personalized dietary interventions.