Table 5.

Studies elucidating the anti-obesity effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in animal and human models.

Model	Experimental Procedure	Observation	References
Mice	Mice were fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with sodium acetate, sodium propionate, sodium butyrate or their mixture (ratio at 3:1:1)	Caused changes in the bacterial community: reduced the proportion of Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes.	[122]
Human	Participants received a daily dietary supplement of 24 g inulin (source of SCFA) for two investigation days, with at least 5 days of washout	Improved β-cell function with increased insulin secretion. No effects on plasma triglycerides, or free glycerol.	[123]
Mice	The mice were fed diets containing sodium acetate, sodium propionate or sodium butyrate at 5% (w/w).	Induced reduction in body weight and stimulated insulin sensitivity.	[124]
Mice	Animals were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 5% acetate or propionate (in the presence of 5% cellulose).	SCFA lowered hepatic triglycerides and improved insulin sensitivity.	[125]
Human	Participants (n = 441) were recruited and examined for their fecal SCFA, and related markers of obesity were analyzed.	Higher SCFA in fecal excretion was associated with gut modulation effects.	[126]