What beneficial substances are produced when friendly gut bacteria ferment inulin from sunchokes?
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
The metabolic impact of inulin hinges on its fermentation within the large intestine by the resident population of beneficial gut microbiota. When these friendly bacteria utilize inulin as a substrate, they produce metabolic byproducts categorized as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The specific examples cited include butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These SCFAs are not merely waste products; they function as important signaling molecules that are absorbed into the systemic circulation. Their presence in the blood is associated with beneficial outcomes, notably aiding in the regulation of lipid profiles and contributing to better glucose control, processes that are fundamentally linked to reducing the strain on the liver.
