When our grandparents thought that flatulence was synonymous with health they were not entirely wrong.
It is known that the fermentation of some indigestible fibers by the intestinal bacterial flora creates gases responsible for flatulence. What few people know is that in addition to gas, the intestinal microbiota also produces other substances, some of which are beneficial. For example, in addition to some vitamins, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) originate, including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid.
These short chain fatty acids are considered to be beneficial to human health, since they have an anti-inflammatory action and act as an energy substrate for the cells (enterocytes) of the colon. Butyrate, in particular, is considered useful for the prevention of colon cancer, as demonstrated by numerous in vitro tests.
Short chain fatty acids are mainly produced by the fermentation of soluble dietary fiber (in particular pectin and fructo-oligosaccharides) and of resistant starch. This helps explain why a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is statistically related to a reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer.
