Faecal short-chain fatty acids and nutritional factors in Thai adults with hypercholesterolaemia compared to normocholesterolemic subjects

Abstract

Previous studies have highlighted differences in faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) between hypercholesterolemic (HC) and normocholesterolemic (NC) individuals; however, the impact of nutritional factors on SCFAs remains underexplored. This cross-sectional observational study involved 42 HC and 38 NC Thai adults and examined faecal SCFA concentrations and their associations with nutritional factors. Aliphatic (acetic, propionic, butyric acids) and branched (isobutyric and isovaleric acids) SCFAs were analysed. Although NC participants exhibited higher aliphatic and total SCFAs than HC participants, these differences were insignificant. Carbohydrate intake was positively associated with acetic and propionic acid, in the NC group. Sugar intake was negatively correlated with isobutyric and isovaleric acids in the NC group but positively correlated in the HC group. These findings suggest less efficient sugar and carbohydrate fermentation in the HC group, potentially affecting SCFA profiles. Future studies should investigate gut microbiota composition, bile acid secretion and gut pH as contributing factors.