SCFAs and Gut Health: Complete Guide to Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Discover how SCFAs impact gut health and digestion. Learn about short-chain fatty acids, their role in digestive wellness, and how to test your SCFA levels at home.
1/27/20252 min read


A recent study published in the journal Nature Metabolism has uncovered fascinating new details about how specific gut metabolites called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) - particularly propionate and butyrate, act as crucial communication channels between our gut bacteria and our body's cells. Scientists found that SCFAs influence gene expression by modifying how genes involved in metabolism and immune function are activated (Nshanian et al., 2024).
What Are SCFAs and Why They Matter for Gut Health
SCFAs are produced when the beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome break down dietary fiber through fermentation.
Two SCFAs in particular, propionate and butyrate, play main roles in maintaining gut health. This new research demonstrates that these microbial metabolites actively modify our genes' activity patterns, helping to:
● Maintain healthy gut tissue
● Regulate inflammation
● Support intestinal barrier function
These processes are fundamental for maintaining optimal gut health.
How SCFAs Support Your Gut Health
The research shows that SCFAs produced by microbial metabolism of fiber help maintain healthy gut cells and may even help protect against colorectal cancer. Understanding these gut health benefits of SCFAs is crucial for overall digestive wellness.
The Challenge: SCFA Production and Fiber Intake
But here's the catch - most of us aren't getting enough fiber in our diets to produce optimal levels of these beneficial compounds. Only about 7% of people consume adequate daily fiber, which means many of us might be missing out on these crucial gut-health benefits.
A lack of fiber can lead to gut imbalances. Discover the 7 key signs that indicate poor gut health and why testing may be necessary: Gut Health Test: 7 Signs You Shouldn't Ignore.
Testing and Monitoring Your SCFA Levels
The S'Wipe gut health test kit makes it easy to track your gut health from home. This innovative gut health testing system analyzes stool samples to measure your SCFA levels and other important markers of gut microbiome.
What Does S'Wipe Gut Health Test Measure?
● SCFA levels (including butyrate, acetate, and propionate)
● Gut metabolite balance
● Microbial activity through specific biochemical markers
● A unique "Stool Smell Score" that provides valuable data about gut health
Based on your test results, S'Wipe can recommend specific types and amounts of fiber to add to your diet. The system takes into account your unique gut microbiome to suggest dietary changes that will optimize your SCFA production and overall gut health.
Regular testing helps ensure optimal SCFA production for gut health.
Taking Action for Better Health
The science is clear - monitoring and supporting healthy SCFA production through proper fiber intake is essential for overall wellness. Tools like the S'Wipe Gut Health Test kit make it easier than ever to understand and improve your gut health through targeted dietary changes.
So next time you're considering skipping those fiber-rich vegetables or wondering about your dietary fiber intake, remember that your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in your overall health. Supporting it through SCFA production could be one of the most important things you do for your long-term well-being.
Citation: Nshanian, M., Gruber, J.J., Geller, B.S. et al. Short-chain fatty acid metabolites propionate and butyrate are unique epigenetic regulatory elements linking diet, metabolism and gene expression. Nat Metab (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-024-01191-9