Quantification of Short Chain Fatty Acids (acetate, butyrate, propionate) in human blood with ion exclusion chromatography

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), i.e. acetate, propionate and butyrate, are mainly produced by bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the human colon. Most important are omega-3, omega-6 and unsaturated fatty acids as being important for a healthy lifestyle. SCFAs are fundamental for proper intestinal flora and they can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. SCFAs such as acetate and propionate show promise as candidates to increase satiety-enhancing properties of food. Here we describe a simple method for determining organic acids in human blood.