Abstract
Carbohydrates are fermented by anaerobic colon flora to gas (CO2, H2, CH4) and SCFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in human adults. SCFA absorption is critical to normal colon function. Human neonates rely on colon bacteria to retrieve over 50% of lactose (LAC) calories. Yet SCFA pathways are unlikely to be significant in neonates since the colon at birth is sterile and only gradually acquires an anaerobic flora. Kecal SCFA levels were profiled over the initial 21 days of life.
Methods: York piglets, n=38, 0-21 day, had feces removed surgically from cecum, right and left colon sites. Samples (n=111) were centrituged and supernate analyzed for electrolytes (EL:sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and chloride), SCFA, osmolality, and pH.
Results: Newborns showed early production of SCFA (mmoles/kg stool). Levels stablized between days 5 and 14, with an abrupt accumulation in the cecum following day 14. Acetate predominated early, with propionate and butyrate responsible for later peak levels in total SCFA. Production and assimilation of SCFA is nearly complete proximal to the left colon. By two-way analysis of variance, age and colon site are significant factors, p < .001. The combined osmolar contributions of EL and SCFA account completely for luminal mOsm after day 16. Prior, there is an “osmolar gap”, suggesting that LAC or its fermentation products are present in the lumen and are removed by pathways other than SCFA.
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Murray, R., Meclung, H., Ulysses, B. et al. COLON SHORT CHAIN FATTY ACID (SCFA) PROFILE IN THE NEWBORN. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 273 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00636
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00636